German Word Family

kommen

Learn kommen once, then see how related verbs, nouns, and compounds are built from the same root.

What to watch for

A high-frequency family with one of the most expensive false friends in German: bekommen.

Prefixed verbs

  • ankommen to arrive A2

    an + kommen

  • auskommen get by / manage B1 Not predictable

    aus + kommen

  • bekommen to receive, to get A2 Not predictable

    be + kommen

    FALSE FRIEND. bekommen does NOT mean to become. Ich bekomme ein Buch means I get a book. To become is werden.

  • mitkommen come along A2

    mit + kommen

  • nachkommen follow / comply B1 Shifted meaning

    nach + kommen

  • vorkommen occur / seem B1 Shifted meaning

    vor + kommen

  • weiterkommen make progress B1

    weiter + kommen

  • zurückkommen come back A2

    zurück + kommen

Derived noun

  • das Einkommen income A2 Not predictable

    einkommen → das Einkommen