verlaufen
Translation
to proceed, to run (extend), to get lost, to smudge
Examples
Die Prüfung ist gut verlaufen.
The exam went well.
Die Grenze verläuft entlang des Flusses.
The border runs along the river.
Ich habe mich im Wald verlaufen.
I got lost in the forest.
Die Tinte ist auf dem Papier verlaufen.
The ink smudged on the paper.
Grammar Patterns
verlaufen ((adverb)) to proceed (in a certain way) The exam went well.
sich verlaufen to get lost I got lost in the forest.
Similar Words
Synonyms: stattfinden (to proceed), sich verirren (to get lost)
Etymology
From 'ver-' (prefix often indicating something going wrong or away) + 'laufen' (to run). So, 'to run the wrong way' (get lost) or how something 'runs' its course (proceed).
Memory Tips
Imagine you 'laufen' (run) and take a 'ver-' (wrong) turn, so you 'sich verlaufen' (get lost).