Questions & Answers about Wir verabreden uns für heute Abend im Café.
Why is there uns in the sentence?
Because sich verabreden is a reflexive (and here reciprocal) verb meaning “to arrange to meet (each other).” The reflexive pronoun marks that the people involved are making plans with one another.
- Example: Wir verabreden uns. = We arrange to meet (each other).
- Without the reflexive, you’d normally need a direct object: Wir verabreden ein Treffen. = We arrange a meeting.
Is verabreden always reflexive?
No. It’s reflexive when it means “arrange to meet (each other)”:
- Ich verabrede mich mit Anna. But it can be transitive when you arrange something:
- Wir verabreden einen Termin/ein Treffen. Both are common; the reflexive version emphasizes the mutual arrangement.
How is this different from Wir treffen uns heute Abend im Café?
- sich verabreden = to set up the meeting (the planning stage).
- sich treffen = to actually meet (the event itself).
So your sentence says the plan is for tonight at the café; Wir treffen uns heute Abend im Café says the meeting will take place then and there.
Also useful: Wir sind (für heute Abend) verabredet. = We have plans/a date (for tonight).
What does für add in für heute Abend?