besuchen
visit
Zu jemandem oder an einen Ort gehen, um dort Zeit zu verbringen oder etwas zu sehen.
The German word "besuchen" is a verb meaning "to visit" or "to attend". It is derived from the root "suchen" which means "to seek" or "to look for". The prefix "be-" here turns the action into something directed towards a person or place (seeking someone out).
Similar words:
- aufsuchen (to go to, to seek out)
- besichtigen (to visit, to inspect, especially places)
- anklopfen (to knock, figuratively to pay a short visit)
- wiedersehen (to see again, to meet again)
Differences:
- besuchen implies a planned visit or attendance (e.g., at a school, friend, event).
- aufsuchen often emphasizes seeking out a person or place deliberately.
- besichtigen is mainly for visiting places/tourist sites for inspection or sightseeing.
- anklopfen is informal and implies a brief, unexpected or casual visit.
- wiedersehen focuses on meeting again, not just visiting.
In essence, besuchen is the general term for paying a visit or attending.
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Examples
Ich besuche meine Großeltern am Wochenende.verb
I visit my grandparents on the weekend.
Er wird morgen das Museum besuchen.verb
He will visit the museum tomorrow.
Sam besucht am Wochenende einen Freund.verb
Sam visits a friend on the weekend.
Er besucht uns morgen.verb
He will visit us tomorrow.
Er wird uns bald besuchen.verb
He will visit us soon.
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