vonstattengehen
Translation
to take place, to proceed, to occur
Examples
Die Wahl ging reibungslos vonstatten.
The election went off without a hitch.
Wie soll die Feier vonstattengehen?
How is the celebration supposed to proceed?
Der Umzug ging schnell vonstatten.
The move took place quickly.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) takes place / proceeds Something happens or proceeds. The meeting proceeded calmly.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to take place, to proceed; Antonyms: to stagnate, to halt
Etymology
From the older phrase "von Statten gehen," meaning "to go from the place/stead," implying a process unfolding. "Statt" means place.
Memory Tips
This is a very formal word. Imagine an official event "going from its place" (von Statten gehen), meaning it's proceeding as planned.