gesellen
Translation
to join, to associate with, to add
Examples
Er gesellte sich zu der Gruppe.
He joined the group.
Gleich und gleich gesellt sich gern.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Sie gesellte einen neuen Stuhl zu den alten.
She added a new chair to the old ones.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((zu+3)) gesellen - to join (sb./sth.). A stranger gesellte sich zu our group.
Similar Words
sich anschließen (to join), beitreten (to join an organisation)
Etymology
Derived from the noun 'Geselle' (journeyman, companion). It carries the meaning of becoming a companion.
Memory Tips
Think of 'Geselle' (companion). 'sich gesellen' means to make oneself a companion to others, hence 'to join'.