finden
to find (locate something or someone) · to think, to have an opinion
Finden means 'to find' in the sense of locating something or someone. It is also very common for expressing opinions, like 'I think' or 'I find'. Germans use it in everyday speech for both meanings.
What finden means
- to find (locate something or someone) — when talking about discovering or locating something
- to think, to have an opinion — when giving a personal opinion or assessment
Heard in real German videos
Lines where finden was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Ja, ich finde das okay.Yes, I think that's okay.
- Ich finde, das ist eine tolle Idee.I think that's a great idea.
Example sentences
- Ich finde meine Schlüssel nicht.I can't find my keys.
- Wie findest du das Buch?How do you like the book?
- Ich finde, wir sollten gehen.I think we should go.
- Er hat eine Lösung gefunden.He found a solution.
Grammar
| Present (ich/du/er) | finde / findest / findet |
|---|---|
| Simple past | fand |
| Perfect | hat gefunden |
| Separable | no |
| Case | accusative |
The perfect tense uses 'haben': Ich habe gefunden.
Common phrases
- Gefallen finden anto take pleasure in
- Anklang findento meet with approval
- sich zurechtfindento find one's way
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often say 'Ich bin gefunden' instead of 'Ich habe gefunden'. The correct perfect tense uses 'haben': 'Ich habe gefunden'.
Don’t confuse it with
- suchen — suchen means 'to search for', while finden means 'to find'.
Questions learners ask
How do you conjugate 'finden' in the present tense?
ich finde, du findest, er/sie/es findet, wir finden, ihr findet, sie/Sie finden.
What is the difference between 'finden' and 'meinen'?
Both can mean 'to think', but 'finden' is more about a personal opinion or assessment, while 'meinen' is more about stating a belief or intention.
Is 'finden' a separable verb?
No, 'finden' is not separable. But there are separable verbs derived from it, like 'stattfinden' (to take place).