Goethe B1 um (sep)

umgehen

ist umgegangen · ging um
Based on: gehen, um
1.

to handle, to treat

("umgehen mit" - the idea of "walking around with something" shifted to how you handle something "on the way". It can be about actually treating an object, but also about dealing with a challenge or burden.)
Examples
  • Ich gehe vorsichtig mit meinem Laptop um.
  • I handle/treat my laptop with care/carefully.
  • Practice pronunciation - click once to start recording and again to stop
2.

to go around

(Not very common, but you find it in contexts of ghosts, rumors and diseases. NOT for literally walking around something.)
Examples
  • In diesem Schloss geht ein Geist um.
  • This castle is haunted.A ghost is roaming around in this castle (lit.)
  • Practice pronunciation - click once to start recording and again to stop

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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

Word of the Day – “gehen um”
A fun look at the meaning of "umgehen" and what "walking around" has to do with "handling". And also a look at the combo "gehen um" and why it's super useful.

Vocab:

gehen um, umgehen


read the full article

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How many meanings does the German word 'umgehen' have?

umgehen has 2 distinct meanings: 1. to handle, to treat, 2. to go around.

What is the past tense of 'umgehen'?

ist umgegangen / ging um

What is 'umgehen' related to?

The word 'umgehen' is related to gehen and um.

Where can I learn more about 'umgehen'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'umgehen':

Word of the Day – “gehen um”
A fun look at the meaning of "umgehen" and what "walking around" has to do with "handling". And also a look at the combo "gehen um" and why it's super useful.
Vocab: gehen um, umgehen
Read article