begegnen
Translation
to meet, to encounter, to come across
Examples
Ich bin ihm zufällig begegnet.
I met him by chance.
Wir sind vielen Schwierigkeiten begegnet.
We encountered many difficulties.
Grammar Patterns
((j-m/et3)) to meet/encounter sb./sth. (dative) I met my old teacher yesterday.
Similar Words
Synonyms: treffen (usually intentional, takes accusative); Antonyms: to avoid
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' + 'gegen' (against, toward). The idea is of coming up 'against' or 'toward' someone.
Memory Tips
Crucially, this verb always takes the dative case! Remember 'Ich begegne dir' (I meet you), not 'dich'.