01
anfassen
to touch
To touch something with the hand or fingers.
example
Vorsicht, die Herdplatte ist noch heiß, nicht anfassen!
Careful, the stovetop is still hot—don't touch it!
anfassen
to touch / tackle
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anfassen' (to touch / tackle) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Fass den Hund bitte nicht an, er ist sehr scheu.
Please don't touch the dog; it's very shy.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: With a concrete object or a person, it means 'to touch'. With an abstract noun like 'Problem' (problem) or 'Thema' (topic), it means 'to begin dealing with it'.
EXAMPLE
Darf ich den Stoff mal anfassen?
May I touch the fabric?
Metaphorical meaning
In the meaning of 'to begin a task', the verb is used metaphorically. You do not physically 'touch' the problem, but begin working on it. Typical objects are 'ein Problem' (a problem), 'eine Aufgabe' (a task), or 'ein Projekt' (a project).
EXAMPLE
Sie weiß nicht, an welcher Stelle sie das Projekt anfassen soll.
She doesn't know where she should start tackling the project.
Use with adverb
When 'anfassen' (to touch) describes how someone handles a person, an adverb is almost always added. This adverb describes the manner of the touch, for example 'sanft anfassen' (to touch gently), 'vorsichtig anfassen' (to touch carefully), or 'grob anfassen' (to touch roughly).
EXAMPLE
Er fasste sie grob am Arm an.
He grabbed her roughly by the arm.
Compare with
anfassen vs beginnen
to begin
'beginnen' and 'anfassen' can both refer to starting a task. 'beginnen' only says that something begins or that you start doing something. In this figurative meaning, 'anfassen' is more about how you practically tackle a task or problem. It often sounds active: you take something on and work on it. For the normal start of an action, 'beginnen' is more suitable. When it is about dealing practically with a difficult task, 'anfassen' fits better.
anfassen
Dieses Problem müssen wir vorsichtig anfassen, weil viele Leute betroffen sind.
We need to tackle this problem carefully because many people are affected.
beginnen
Lisa beginnt heute mit dem neuen Bericht für die Arbeit.
Lisa is beginning the new report for work today.
In real life
Loading video examples...