nahen
approach · near
Definition & meaning
The verb nahen is a formal or literary term that means to approach, to draw near, or to come closer in terms of time or space.
- Spatial approach: It refers to someone or something moving closer to a specific location or person (e.g., "The storm is approaching").
- Temporal approach: It refers to an event or a point in time getting closer (e.g., "The end of the year is approaching").
It is frequently used in elevated language, poetry, or storytelling rather than in everyday colloquial speech.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- Part of speech: Verb (weak, intransitive).
- Conjugation: It is a regular verb (nahen, nahte, hat genaht).
- Usage: It is almost exclusively used as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object.
Word origin:
- The word originates from the Middle High German nahen, which is derived from the adjective nah (near). It essentially means "to become near."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- sich nähern (the more common, standard synonym)
- herankommen
- sich zubewegen
- bevorstehen (specifically for upcoming events)
Antonyms:
Make “nahen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Ferien nahen schnell.verb
The holidays are approaching quickly.
Als der Zug nahte, wurde der Bahnsteig plötzlich ganz still.verb
As the train approached, the platform suddenly became completely quiet.
In naher Zukunft werden wir uns wiedersehen.verb
In the near future, we will see each other again.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad