Történjenek

Történjenek is a Hungarian verb form of the verb történni, meaning to happen or occur. It is the present subjunctive (kötőmód) form in the third person plural, used to express wishes, possibilities, or hypothetical events rather than statements of fact. In English, it corresponds to phrases like “that they may happen” or “let them happen.”

Morphology and formation: The form derives from the stem történj- with the subjunctive suffix -enek, which is typical for third-person plural in the present subjunctive. The exact pronunciation and spelling reflect Hungarian phonology, including vowel harmony and assimilation, yielding történjenek. The singular subjunctive forms include történjen (3rd person singular) and történjek, while the plural has történjenek.

Usage: Történjenek usually appears in subordinate clauses introduced by a linking element such as hogy, expressing a wish, hope, or hypothetical outcome. It can occur in formal or literary contexts and is less common in everyday speech, where simpler constructions may be preferred. It is often found in official statements, editorial prose, or ceremonial language, where speakers or writers request or imagine that events occur.

Examples:

- Remélem, hogy történjenek meg a változások. (I hope that the changes take place.)

- Történjenek meg a dolgok! (Let the things happen.)

- A képviselők azt szeretnék, hogy történjenek meg a szükséges intézkedések. (The representatives wish that the necessary measures take place.)

See also: történik (present indicative, 3rd person singular), történjen (3rd person singular present subjunctive), történjenek (3rd person plural present subjunctive).