zugehen

ist zugegangen · ging zu
Based on: gehen, zu
Goethe B1 Verb #586 zu verb
  1. to close by itself
  2. to approach someone
  3. to go on, to be
1.

to close by itself

Opposite: aufgehen
(With a "nicht" it basically means that something can't be closed. Past tends to be built with the preterite.)
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Examples
  • Warum geht die Spülmaschine nicht zu?
  • Why isn't the dishwasher closing?
2.

to approach someone

("zugehen auf+Acc" - can be physical but it also works in the sense of compromise. Past is done with "spoken past".)
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Examples
  • Ich gehe auf meinen Kollegen zu, um das Problem zu besprechen.
  • I approach my colleague to discuss the problem.
3.

to go on, to be

(In the sense of something going on somewhere. Usually used in combination with "es" for "things" and often with "wie" in the sense of "how" things are done. Past is usually preterite.)
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Examples
  • Wie geht es auf einer Einhorn-Hochzeit zu?
  • How are things going at a unicorn wedding?

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Questions and Comments

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2 Comments
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Ellery
Ellery

Hi Emanuel-

How would you translate zugehen in this sentence – it doesn’t seem to fit your two examples?

Viele wollen dem Laerm und der Bevoelkerung entfliehen und an einem Ort ziehen, an dem es ruhiger und gruener zugeht.

Much appreciation

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Emanuel
Author
Emanuel
Reply to  Ellery

“ruhig(er) zugehen” is a fixed phrase, pretty much only used with “es” and it means that things are less hectic or fast somewhere.

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

zugehen has 3 distinct meanings: 1. to close by itself , 2. to approach someone , 3. to go on, to be.

What is the past tense of 'zugehen'?

ist zugegangen / ging zu

What is 'zugehen' related to?

The word 'zugehen' is related to gehen and zu.

Where can I learn more about 'zugehen'?

Check out the main YourDailyGerman Dictionary for more German vocabulary entries.