German word

nahen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnaːən/

Meaning

  • verbapproach

Example

Der Sommer naht.

Summer is approaching.

Illustration for nahen (approach)

More examples

Der Zeitpunkt der Entscheidung naht.

The time of the decision is approaching.

Core concept

A season or event steadily draws closer on the horizon.

Common phrases

  • das Ende naht

    The end is approaching

  • der Zeitpunkt naht

    The time is approaching

Similar words

kommen: To arrive or take place, especially when referring to an event or period.
bevorstehen: To be expected to happen shortly as a scheduled event.
sich nähern: To move gradually closer in space or time.

Definition in German

Für ein Ereignis oder eine Zeitspanne näher rücken; oft verhältnismäßig formell oder dichterisch gebraucht werden.

Word origin

Nahen developed from Middle High German nâhen and is related to the adjective nah, meaning that a time or event comes closer.

Usage tips

  • Nahen is formal or literary; everyday German more often uses kommen or bevorstehen for an approaching event.

Other meanings

  • loomverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word