Mitführen

Mitführen is a German verb meaning to carry along or bring along something, and also to accompany someone during a journey or task. It is formed from the prefix mit- combined with führen (to lead, to carry). As a separable verb, the prefix mit- detaches in the present tense and appears at the end in subordinate clauses: ich führe mit, du führst mit, er führt mit; past tense ich führte mit; perfect ich habe mitgeführt.

Usage and nuances: mitführen can take an inanimate object (etwas mitführen) or refer to accompanying a person or group (jemanden/ eine Gruppe mitführen). Examples: Ich führe den Schlüssel mit. Der Bergführer führt die Gruppe mit. In many contexts, mitführen emphasizes carrying something with you rather than simply taking it somewhere, although it can also imply accompanying someone while you travel together. In contrast, mitnehmen is more about taking something from one place to another.

Grammar notes: as a separable verb, mitführen follows standard German conjugation patterns. In main clauses the prefix appears separated: Ich führe die Ausrüstung mit. In subordinate clauses: Dass ich die Ausrüstung mitführe. Perfect tense uses mitgeführt: Ich habe die Ausrüstung mitgeführt.

Relation to other terms: mitführen is related to mit sich führen (to carry with oneself) and is often contrasted with mitnehmen (to take along to another location) or mitbringen (to bring along to a place). It is common in everyday speech as well as in formal, travel, security, and military contexts.

Examples: Ich führe das Gepäck mit. Der Guide führt die Gruppe mit. Er führt seine Waffe mit, wenn die Vorschrift es erlaubt.