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vergehen
/fɛɐ̯ˈɡeːən/
to pass (time), to elapse
Die Zeit vergeht schnell, wenn man Spaß hat.
Time passes quickly when you're having fun.
general
To pass or elapse (time).
Ein Jahr ist schnell vergangen.
A year has quickly passed.
Often used with time-related nouns like 'Zeit' (time) or 'Jahr' (year).
Law
formal
To expire or become invalid (e.g., a contract or deadline).
Der Vertrag ist vergangen und nicht mehr gültig.
The contract has expired and is no longer valid.
In legal contexts, it refers to the end of a contract's validity.
formal
To pass away (e.g., a person).
Sein Großvater ist vor zwei Jahren vergangen.
His grandfather passed away two years ago.
A more formal or poetic way to say someone has died.
Collocations
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Time Context
When used with time, 'vergehen' emphasizes the passage of time, often in a neutral or positive way.
Gold Rule
Legal Usage
In legal contexts, 'vergehen' can mean 'to expire', especially for contracts or deadlines.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'vergehen', meaning 'to pass away' or 'to elapse'. Related to the Old High German 'firgehan' (to pass).
Usage Notes
The verb 'vergehen' is often used with time-related nouns. In legal contexts, it can mean 'to expire'. In formal or poetic language, it can refer to someone passing away.
Word Breakdown
ver-
intensive prefix
prefix-gehen
to go, to pass
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