zustande
come about
Es beschreibt, wie etwas gerade ist oder sich befindet, zum Beispiel ob etwas neu, alt, kaputt oder ganz ist.
Definition & meaning
zustande is an adverb mainly used in fixed expressions. It describes something that comes into existence, is successfully completed, or is achieved.
The most common expression is:
- zustande kommen — to come about, take place, or be achieved
- Der Vertrag ist zustande gekommen. — The contract was concluded.
- Wie ist diese Entscheidung zustande gekommen? — How did this decision come about?
It can also be used with bringen:
- etwas zustande bringen — to manage or accomplish something
- Sie hat trotz der Schwierigkeiten eine gute Lösung zustande gebracht. — Despite the difficulties, she managed to produce a good solution.
Grammar & Word origin
zustande is an adverb and is normally not used independently. It occurs especially in the expressions zustande kommen and etwas zustande bringen.
In the verb zustande kommen , the verb changes according to the subject:
- Der Plan kommt zustande. — The plan comes about.
- Der Plan ist zustande gekommen. — The plan came about.
- Die Vereinbarung wird zustande kommen. — The agreement will come about.
The word developed from zu Stande , literally “to a stand” or “into a state.” The modern spelling zustande is written as one word.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- entstehen — to arise or come into existence; emphasizes the process of something developing.
- stattfinden — to take place; used mainly for events, whereas zustande kommen can also refer to agreements, plans, or decisions.
- erfolgen — to occur or be carried out; more formal and often used for official processes.
- gelingen — to succeed; focuses on success rather than on something merely coming into existence.
- verwirklichen — to realize or implement; emphasizes turning an idea or plan into reality.
Antonyms
There is no single exact antonym. Depending on the context, possible opposites include:
- scheitern — to fail; used when an agreement, plan, or attempt does not succeed.
- ausbleiben — to fail to happen or materialize.
- verhindern — to prevent something from happening.
- nicht zustande kommen — not to come about; the most direct opposite expression.
Common phrases & collocations
- ein Vertrag kommt zustande — a contract is concluded.
- eine Vereinbarung kommt zustande — an agreement is reached.
- ein Gespräch kommt zustande — a conversation takes place or is successfully arranged.
- eine Zusammenarbeit kommt zustande — cooperation is established.
- einen Kontakt zustande bringen — to establish contact.
- eine Lösung zustande bringen — to manage to produce or achieve a solution.
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Examples
Die Party kommt nicht zustande.adverb
The party does not come about.
Ob das Treffen zustande kommt, hängt von allen ab.adverb
Whether the meeting comes about depends on everyone.
Das Treffen ist nicht zustande gekommen.adverb
The meeting did not come about.
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