Breakdown of Wir treffen uns vor der Kirche.
wir
we
vor
in front of
der
the; (feminine, dative)
treffen
to meet
Questions & Answers about Wir treffen uns vor der Kirche.
Why is treffen reflexive here? Why do we need uns?
German uses sich treffen to express “to meet (each other)/to arrange to meet.” With wir, the reflexive pronoun is uns: Wir treffen uns = we meet each other. Without uns, treffen expects a direct object.
Can I say Wir treffen vor der Kirche without uns?
No, not if you mean “we meet (each other).” Wir treffen vor der Kirche is incomplete unless you add an object: Wir treffen Peter vor der Kirche. For “meet up,” keep uns.
What’s the difference between Wir treffen uns and Wir treffen Peter?
- Wir treffen uns: reciprocal; the subject meets among themselves.
- Wir treffen Peter: transitive; you meet someone else (Peter). No reflexive pronoun.
Does the present tense here mean a future plan?
Yes. German often uses the present for scheduled/near-future plans: Wir treffen uns morgen .... Wir werden uns treffen is possible but usually unnecessary.
How do I say it in the past: “We met in front of the church”?