sich begeben
Translation
to go, to proceed, to betake oneself
Examples
Er begab sich auf eine lange Reise.
He went on a long journey.
Sie begab sich sofort nach Hause.
She proceeded home immediately.
Es begab sich, dass ein König starb.
It happened that a king died.
Grammar Patterns
to betake oneself ((to a place)) to go to a place He betook himself to the crime scene.
es begibt sich, dass... it happens that... Es begab sich, dass er sie traf.
Similar Words
gehen (to go), reisen (to travel), fahren (to go by vehicle)
Etymology
From the prefix be- and 'geben' (to give). Literally 'to give oneself' to a place or situation.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'giving' yourself to a new location or journey. It's a more formal, slightly archaic way of saying 'to go'.