Kommen
[ˈkɔmən]neuter
The English phrase 'coming' (in the sense of an arrival) is expressed in German as Kommen.
Kommen is used as a noun to describe the act of arriving or an arrival.
Meaning: act of arriving, an arrival (noun)
Which one should you use?
The capitalized Kommen functions as a noun (the arrival), whereas the lowercase kommen functions as the verb (to come).
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'Kommen' as a noun meaning 'the act of arriving', you must add the neuter article 'das' and capitalize the word. When used as a verb (to come), the word is written in lowercase.
Did you know?
- The phrase Kommen Sie! can be a polite invitation for someone to enter, but depending on the tone, it can also function as a command for someone to explain themselves.
- The German language has a specific way of expressing 'coming from' using kommen aus, which doesn't just describe a recent trip but is the standard way to state one's nationality or hometown.
- The word kommen descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʷem-, which is the same root that gave rise to the English word 'come'.
Examples in context
- Kommen Sie mit uns?Are you coming with us?This sentence shows how to use Kommen in a question about traveling with others.Tatoeba #1344042 by Zaghawa, translation #1886353 by CK
- Ich sah Tom kommen.I saw Tom coming.This sentence uses Kommen to describe the act of someone approaching.Tatoeba #6643949 by Felixjp, translation #2406124 by CK
- Ich sah das kommen.I saw this coming.This sentence uses Kommen to describe an event or situation being observed.Tatoeba #6643954 by Felixjp, translation #2406108 by CK
- Ich komme.I'm coming.
- Kommen Sie bitte herein.Please come in.
- Er wird bald kommen.He will come soon.
- Ich komm' gleich.I'll be right there.
- Wann kommst du an?When are you arriving?
- 384 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are waiting for a guest at the door.
- HannahWann ist das Kommen unseres Gastes geplant?When is the arrival of our guest planned?
- LukasEr sollte eigentlich schon hier sein.He should actually be here already.
- HannahIch hoffe, dass sein Kommen bald erfolgt.I hope that his arrival happens soon.
- LukasDa klingelt es jetzt gerade!The doorbell is ringing right now!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coming” translations and entries Kommen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kommen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
