befinden

Befinden is a German noun meaning the state or condition of a person, especially their health or overall well-being. It is most commonly used in medical contexts to describe how a person feels physically and mentally, for example in notes such as das allgemeine Befinden des Patienten. It can refer to both physical condition and mood, and is often contrasted with phrases like Wohlbefinden (well-being) or Unwohlsein (discomfort).

The noun derives from the verb befinden, formed with the prefix be- and the verb finden (to find). In everyday language, befinden also appears in the pronominal verb sich befinden, meaning to be located or to be in a certain state or place. In practice, clinicians may say "Der Patient befindet sich im guten Befinden" or "Der Patient hat sich in gutem Befinden befunden." The past participle befunden is used in perfect tenses.

Befinden as a verb also has general senses meaning "to find" or "to feel," as in "Ich befinde mich hier" in formal or literary contexts, and "Wie befinden Sie sich?" in polite speech. The term often occurs alongside adjectives like gut, schlecht, stabil, oder im guten Befinden. Related terms include Befindlichkeit (state of mind or condition) and Wohlbefinden (well-being).