zusammenhängt

Zusammenhängt is a form of the German verb zusammenhängen, meaning to be connected, related, or coherent. The verb expresses that two or more elements bear a relation to each other, either causally, logically, or contextually. In standard usage, the separable prefix zusammen- typically splits in finite verb forms and is written as hängt zusammen, e.g., Die Ergebnisse hängen zusammen.

Usage and meaning

Zusammenhängen is used to describe connections between facts, events, ideas, or objects. It can indicate causal links (A hängt mit B zusammen), logical coherence (ein Zusammenhang besteht), or a broader contextual relation (im Zusammenhang mit...). The noun Zusammenhang (connection, context, coherence) is closely related and often used to refer to the overall link between parts of a discussion or narrative.

Grammar and constructions

As a separable verb, zusammenhängen forms phrases under standard word order, with the prefix typically separated in main clauses: etwas hängt zusammen. In subordinate clauses or after modal verbs, the finite verb remains the conjugated form, and the phrase appears accordingly, e.g., Es ist wichtig, die Zusammenhänge zu verstehen. The past participle is zusammengehangen, and related adjectives include zusammenhängend (coherent, connected).

Nuance and scope

Zusammenhängt emphasizes interdependence rather than mere proximity. It is common in scientific, academic, and journalistic writing to describe correlations, dependencies, or the way parts of a system fit into a larger whole. Related terms include Zusammenhang, zusammengehörig, and vernetzt, all signaling various facets of connection and coherence.