German Conversation · Level 33
91 words
German word
befinden
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈfɪndn̩/
Meaning
- verbbe located
Example
Das Museum befindet sich neben dem Bahnhof.
The museum is located next to the train station.
More examples
In diesem Gebäude befinden sich mehrere Arztpraxen.
Several medical practices are located in this building.
Core concept
A person or thing with its presence pinned to a definite point, like a fixed marker on a map.
Common phrases
sich befinden
be located
sich befinden in
be located in
Similar words
sein: States simply that a person or thing exists or is in a particular place.
liegen: Indicates that something rests on a flat surface or is situated at a specific point.
Definition in German
Ein Verb, meist reflexiv gebraucht, das die Lage oder das Vorhandensein von etwas sachlich angibt.
Word origin
Befinden combines the prefix be- with finden, an inherited Germanic verb related to English find; the reflexive form sich befinden developed for being situated or existing.
Usage tips
- Sich befinden is more formal and written than ordinary ist or steht when simply stating a location.