gehören
Translation
to belong to, to be part of, to be owned by
Examples
Das Buch gehört mir.
The book belongs to me.
Er gehört zur Familie.
He belongs to the family.
Das gehört nicht hierher.
That doesn't belong here.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.dat)) to belong to (sb.) The car belongs to me. Das Auto gehört mir.
((to sth.)) to belong to, be part of He belongs to our group. Er gehört zu unserer Gruppe.
((prep.)) to belong (in a place) The book belongs on the shelf. Das Buch gehört ins Regal.
Similar Words
Synonyms: be owned by; fit
Etymology
Originally related to 'hören' (to hear/obey). To belong meant to obey someone, hence to be their property.
Memory Tips
Think of 'hören' (hear/listen). If you belong to someone, you listen to them.