German word

annähern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanˌnɛːɐ̯n/

Meaning

  • verbapproach

Example

Die beiden Länder nähern sich an.

The two countries are drawing closer.

Illustration for annähern (approach)

More examples

Trotz der Zugeständnisse nähern sich die Parteien an einer Lösung.

Despite the concessions, the parties are approaching a solution.

Core concept

A widening gap closes as people, objects, ideas, or relationships come nearer, either by themselves or through outside action.

Common phrases

  • sich nähern an einer Lösung

    approach a solution

  • sich nähern an dem Ziel

    approach the goal

Similar words

sich nähern: To move nearer to a person, place, or object.
herankommen: To come close enough to reach or make contact with something.
sich einigen: To resolve differences and reach an agreement.
angleichen: To reduce differences and make things more alike.

Definition in German

annähern (reflexiv) an + Akk näher kommen; (transitiv) etwas an etwas heranbringen

Word origin

German annähern is formed from an- and nähern, linking the directional sense of an- with the idea of becoming near.

Usage tips

  • In a finite main clause, annähern separates: Die Länder nähern sich an, while the infinitive remains annähern after a modal verb.

Other meanings

  • bring closerverb
  • approximateverb

Opposites

  • sich entfernenmove awayverb

Related words

Word lists with this word