German word

nachkommen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnaːxˌkɔmən/

Meaning

  • verbcomply with ___

Example

Ich komme deiner Bitte nach.

I am complying with your request.

Illustration for nachkommen (comply with ___)

More examples

Sie ist ihren Zusagen nachgekommen.

She has kept her promises.

Core concept

Someone follows a request's lead and moves from hearing it to carrying out the required action.

Common phrases

  • seinen Zusagen nachkommen

    keep one's promises

  • einer Forderung nachkommen

    comply with a demand

Similar words

erfüllen: Fulfill a request or requirement by doing what is required.
einhalten: Keep a promise or meet a deadline or other agreed condition.
befolgen: Follow an instruction or order as directed.
umsetzen: Turn a plan or request into concrete action.

Definition in German

auf eine Bitte, Aufforderung oder Verpflichtung so reagieren, dass man die geforderte Handlung tatsächlich ausführt.

Word origin

Nachkommen combines nach ('after, following') with kommen ('come'), with the literal idea of coming after extended to following a request or obligation.

Usage tips

  • For the compliance sense, nachkommen takes a dative phrase, as in 'einer Bitte nachkommen', and the verb separates in a main clause.

Other meanings

  • carry outverb
  • come laterverb
  • followverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Nachkommencompliancenoun

Word lists with this word