Before you start
Meet zutreffen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Meaning
- to apply to, be applicable to [with auf (+ accusative)]
Build the meaning
zu- + treffen
- zu-
- toward or onto, suggesting a match with something
- treffen
- to hit or meet
An assertion “hits onto” the facts, so it matches them.
So zutreffen means to be correct; to apply to.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Separable verb: zu·treffen
In a main clause the prefix zu splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseDer Satz trifft auf dich zu.The sentence applies to you.
Subordinate clauseIch sehe, dass die Regel auf uns zutrifft.I see that the rule applies to us.
Participle: zugetroffenzu-infinitive: zuzutreffen
Forms
How zutreffen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | treffe zu | traf zu |
| du | triffst zu | trafst zu |
| er/sie/es | trifft zu | traf zu |
| wir | treffen zu | trafen zu |
| ihr | trefft zu | traft zu |
| Sie | treffen zu | trafen zu |
Partizip II zugetroffen · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Das trifft heute zu.That is true today.prefix goes to the end
- 2Die Antwort hat auf mich zugetroffen.The answer applied to me.Perfekt with haben
- 3Ich glaube, dass das zutrifft.I think that is correct.verb at the end after dass
Verb family
More verbs built on treffen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.