German word

erfolgen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈfɔlgən/

Meaning

  • verbtake place

Example

In letzter Zeit erfolgen viele Änderungen.

Many changes have taken place recently.

Illustration for erfolgen (take place)

More examples

Updates erfolgen in der Regel automatisch.

Updates usually take place automatically.

Core concept

A scheduled process moves from an established cause or condition to its completed occurrence.

Common phrases

  • in der Regel erfolgen

    usually take place

  • telefonisch erfolgen

    take place by phone

Similar words

passieren: An unexpected event or accident happens, especially in everyday speech.
geschehen: An event occurs, often in formal or written language.
stattfinden: A planned event, meeting, or activity actually takes place.

Definition in German

Intransitives Verb; geschehen oder stattfinden, oft als Folge oder Ergebnis von etwas und häufig in formellen Kontexten unpersönlich gebraucht.

Word origin

German inherited erfolgen as a formation with er- and folgen, meaning that an event or action follows from what came before.

Usage tips

  • Erfolgen is intransitive, so it does not take a direct object; the action itself is the subject, as in Die Zahlung erfolgt morgen.

Other meanings

  • be carried outverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word