Usage Note
befinden is almost always reflexive, sich befinden, meaning 'to be situated' in a place, and is more formal than a plain sein or liegen. Non-reflexively über etwas befinden means 'to rule/decide on something' in legal language.
Examples
"Das Büro befindet sich im dritten Stock."
Natural Translation
The office is on the third floor.
Literal Translation
The office finds itself in-the third floor.
Related Words
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