zusammenbringen

Definition & meaning

zusammenbringen is a separable German verb with several related meanings:

• To bring things or people together, physically or figuratively: to gather, unite, or connect them.
• To introduce people to each other or help them meet.
• To manage or achieve something, often despite difficulty. For example, it can mean managing to produce a particular result or amount.
• To connect or reconcile ideas or facts—to see how they fit together.

The precise meaning depends on context.

Grammar & word origin

zusammenbringen combines zusammen ↗ (“together”) and bringen ↗ (“to bring”). It is a separable verb: in a main clause, the prefix zusammen ↗ typically moves to the end. Its past participle is zusammengebracht ↗, and it forms compound tenses with haben ↗.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary by meaning:

• vereinen ↗ means “to unite,” often emphasizing making separate people or things into one group or whole.
• verbinden ↗ means “to connect” or “link,” and is especially suitable for relationships, ideas, or components.
• versammeln ↗ means “to assemble” or “gather,” usually referring to people.
• schaffen ↗ means “to manage” or “accomplish,” matching the sense of achieving something.

Possible antonyms also depend on context:

• trennen ↗ means “to separate,” the opposite of bringing people or things together.
• auseinanderbringen ↗ means “to split up” or “drive apart,” directly contrasting with bringing together.

Common phrases & collocations

• Menschen zusammenbringen ↗ — to bring people together or introduce them.
• zwei Dinge zusammenbringen ↗ — to bring two things together or connect them.
• etwas zustande bringen ↗ — to manage to accomplish something; a common related expression.
• alles zusammenbringen ↗ — to bring everything together or get everything organized.