sich befinden
Translation
to be located, to be situated, to find oneself, to be
Examples
Wir befanden uns in der Nähe des Bahnhofs.
We were near the train station.
Die Kinder befanden sich in Sicherheit.
The children were in safety.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((at/on/in sth.)) to be located at/on/in sth. Das Museum befindet sich im Stadtzentrum.
sich ((in sth.)) to be in a state/condition Er befindet sich in einer schwierigen Lage.
Similar Words
sein (to be), liegen (to lie), stehen (to stand)
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' and 'finden' (to find). It literally means 'to find oneself' in a certain place or state.
Memory Tips
To say where something is, think about where you would 'find' it. 'Wir befanden uns am Bahnhof' (We were found at the station).