German word

herankommen

Pronunciation

IPA/hɛˈʁanˌkɔmən/

Meaning

  • verbcome closer

Example

Bitte komm nicht so nah heran.

Please don't come so close.

Illustration for herankommen (come closer)

More examples

Bei der Generalprobe durfte nur das Personal an die Bühne herankommen.

During the dress rehearsal, only staff were allowed to get close to the stage.

Core concept

A person or boundary moves nearer until contact or access becomes possible.

Common phrases

  • dem Ziel näher herankommen

    get closer to the goal

  • an die Bühne herankommen

    get closer to the stage

Similar words

näherkommen: Reducing the distance to something or someone.
sich nähern: Approaching a person or place by closing the distance.
erreichen: Reaching something with a hand or tool.
rankommen: Approaching something closely enough to touch or obtain it.

Definition in German

herankommen bedeutet, sich einer Sache körperlich oder im übertragenen Sinn zu nähern und sie zu erreichen.

Word origin

The separable verb combines the directional adverb "heran" with "kommen", forming a verb for moving toward something or reaching it.

Usage tips

  • In a finite present-tense clause, the prefix separates: "Er kommt nicht heran", while the infinitive is "heranzukommen".

Other meanings

  • approachverb

Opposites

  • fernhaltenkeep awayverb

Related words

  • herankommendapproachingadjective

Word lists with this word