Zusammenfallen

Zusammenfallen is a German verb that describes a coincidence or overlap of events, dates, or phenomena. It denotes that two or more things occur at the same moment or share the same location. The term is commonly used for temporal coincidences, such as calendars or schedules, but can also apply to spatial overlap in a broader sense.

Grammatical note: zusammenfallen is a separable-prefix verb. In the present tense the prefix is separated, as in Die Termine fallen zusammen. In compound tenses and with perfect forms, the participle is zusammengefallen, for example Die Termine sind zusammengefallen. The phrase can also be used with nouns representing dates, events, or locations to indicate overlap or concurrence.

Usage and contexts: The expression is frequent in everyday language when discussing scheduling, planning, or calendar management. It can also appear in scientific or technical contexts to describe overlapping phenomena, such as two lines, routes, or timelines that lie on top of each other. While neutral in tone, the phrase often implies a logistical consequence, such as conflicts or the need for adjustment.

Examples:

- Die Termine fallen diese Woche am gleichen Tag zusammen.

- Die Besprechung fällt mit dem Seminartermin zusammen.

- In der Geometrie fallen zwei Geraden zusammen, wenn sie dieselbe Gerade darstellen.

Synonyms and related terms include sich überschneiden, zeitgleich stattfinden oder dezentral gelegentlich kollidieren, depending on the nuance. Zusammenfallen thus covers both temporal coincidences and, less frequently, spatial overlap, with usage shaped by context and formality.