an|treffen
Translation
to meet, to find, to encounter, to come across
Examples
Ich habe ihn zufällig in der Stadt angetroffen.
I met him by chance in the city.
Man trifft diese Art selten in der Natur an.
This species is rarely found in nature.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to meet/find (sb./sth.) I met him in the library.
Similar Words
begegnen (to encounter), finden (to find)
Etymology
From the prefix 'an-' (on, at) and 'treffen' (to meet, to hit). Literally 'to meet upon' or 'to hit upon'.
Memory Tips
Think of being 'on' the street and you 'treffen' (meet) someone unexpectedly.