verb
to be located, to be (in a state), to assess
B1
Meanings: to be located/feel (state) and, in formal contexts, to assess or determine. Reflexive 'sich befinden' commonly expresses location or state (Das Haus befindet sich dort). Non‑reflexive use can be transitive in legal/official phrases. Auxiliary: haben. Irregular strong verb (Präteritum: ich befand).
Examples
Wir befanden uns in der Stadt.
We were in the city.
Das Gericht befand den Angeklagten für schuldig.
The court found the defendant guilty.
Ich befinde mich in Berlin.
I am in Berlin.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a map marker with the label BEFINDEN marking where something is located.
Think 'be-find' — to find where something is (location or state).
Notes
befinden is commonly used reflexively (sich befinden) to describe location or state. It can also be used non-reflexively or transitively in legal/official contexts (e.g., 'das Gericht befand ...').