This is the 13373rd most frequent German word.
befänden
"Befänden" is a conjugated form of "befinden," meaning "to be located" or "to find oneself" in a particular state or place.
The verb 'befänden' (a subjunctive form of 'befinden') is used here in the subjunctive II mood to express a hypothetical scenario.
Wenn wir uns in dieser Situation befänden, müssten wir eine Entscheidung treffen.
If we were in this situation, we would have to make a decision.
Here, 'befänden' expresses a hypothetical or imagined situation relating to the past, again using subjunctive II.
Damals befänden sich viele alte Bücher in meinem Regal.
At that time, many old books were present in my shelf.
'Befänden' in this sentence conveys a wish or hypothetical condition, demonstrating its use in expressing unreal situations.