zusammenzulaufen

Zusammenzulaufen is a German verb meaning to run or flow together, i.e., to converge toward a common point. It is used for the literal merging of moving bodies such as rivers, streams, or crowds, and can be used figuratively for trends, events, or processes that move toward alignment or a shared outcome. The prefix zusammen- means together, and the base verb laufen means to run or flow.

The verb is a separable compound verb. In the present tense, the finite form is built from laufen with the prefix getrennt: Die Strömungen laufen zusammen. In the past tense, it forms with sein: Die Strömungen sind zusammengelaufen. In infinitive constructions with zu, as in clauses with modal verbs or expressions like “es ist notwendig,” the form appears as zusammenzulaufen (for example: Es ist notwendig, zusammenzulaufen).

Zusammenlaufen can also function as a noun: das Zusammenlaufen, referring to the process of converging. Example: Das Zusammenlaufen der Flüsse bildete einen größeren Fluss.

Usage notes and related terms: The expression is common in geography and fluid dynamics to describe merging streams. Metaphorically, it can describe converging trends, opinions, or plans (z. B. zwei Entwicklungen laufen zusammen). Related concepts include Konvergenz (convergence) and Annäherung (approach).

In sum, zusammenzulaufen denotes the act or process of coming together at a joint point, with both literal and figurative applications, and its related forms accommodate tense and nominal usage.