vonstattengehen
Translation
to take place, to proceed, to occur
Examples
Die Wahl ging reibungslos vonstatten.
The election went off without a hitch.
Wie soll die Feier vonstattengehen?
How is the celebration supposed to proceed?
Der Umzug ging schnell vonstatten.
The move took place quickly.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) takes place / proceeds Something happens or proceeds. The meeting proceeded calmly.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to take place, to proceed; Antonyms: to stagnate, to halt
Etymology
Derived from the older expression "von Statten gehen," which means "to go from the place," indicating a process is underway. "Statt" means place.
Memory Tips
A formal term. Picture an event "going" (gehen) "from" (von) its designated "place" (Statt), meaning it's happening as scheduled.