Zugehören

zugehören is a German verb meaning to belong, with senses related to membership, affiliation, or being a part of something. It can express that a person, object, or idea is included in a group, a place, a collection, or a concept.

Grammar and usage: zugehören is used with a dative complement introduced by the preposition zu, for example: Ich gehöre zu einer großen Familie (I belong to a large family). The phrase das gehört dazu (that is part of it) is a common idiom indicating that something is an inherent or expected component. The related form dazu gehören (to belong to that) is widely used in everyday speech. In a possessive sense, gehen belongs without the zu preposition when indicating ownership: Dieses Buch gehört mir (This book belongs to me).

Noun form and related terms: The noun for the sense of belonging or affiliation is Zugehörigkeit. Related adjectives include gehörig (proper, belonging; in some contexts meaning appropriate). The concept of belonging can also be expressed by the compound noun Zugehörigkeit or the compound adjective gehörig in contexts such as belongingness or suitability.

Usage notes: zugehören emphasizes inclusion within a group, place, or system, or the idea that something is an essential part of a whole. It contrasts with bleiben in the sense of “to stay,” and with passen, which denotes suitability or fitness rather than membership. The verb can describe personal affiliation as well as the property of objects or institutions.

Translations: to belong, to belong to, to be part of, or to be affiliated with, depending on the context. Common English equivalents include belong, be part of, and be affiliated with.