01
angreifen
to attack
To attack someone or something physically or militarily in order to fight or conquer.
example
Das Land wurde unerwartet in der Nacht angegriffen.
The country was attacked unexpectedly during the night.
angreifen
to attack
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Angreifen' (to attack) 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
Der Feind greift die Stadt an.
The enemy attacks the city.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'an-' and the verb 'greifen' (to grab). The literal meaning is therefore 'to reach for something in order to grasp it,' which describes the idea of an attack well.
EXAMPLE
Der Löwe greift seine Beute an.
The lion attacks its prey.
Context clues
The object of the verb helps you understand the meaning. A country or a person is attacked militarily or verbally. A material or health is attacked by something, such as acid or stress, meaning damaged.
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker griff seinen Gegner verbal an.
The politician verbally attacked his opponent.
Typical adverbs
When 'angreifen' (to attack) describes a verbal attack, it is often combined with adverbs such as 'scharf' (sharply), 'persönlich' (personally), 'direkt' (directly), or 'öffentlich' (publicly).
EXAMPLE
Der Journalist hat den Minister in seinem Artikel scharf angegriffen.
The journalist sharply attacked the minister in his article.
Health and material
In the meaning 'schädigen' (to damage), the subjects are often abstract things like stress, an illness, or chemicals. The objects are then often health, the immune system, or materials.
EXAMPLE
Der viele Stress greift seine Gesundheit an.
All the stress is damaging his health.
Compare with
angreifen vs kritisieren
to criticize
'kritisieren' and 'angreifen' can both mean that someone speaks against a person, an idea, or a behavior. 'kritisieren' is the more neutral word: you point out mistakes or problems, and you can remain factual while doing so. 'angreifen' sounds stronger and harsher. It means a sharp, often personal verbal attack. Learners may confuse the words because both can be negative. If you are calmly talking about shortcomings, 'kritisieren' fits better. If the words are very direct, aggressive, or hurtful, 'angreifen' is more precise.
angreifen
Nach der Nachricht griff der Politiker seinen Gegner in der Presse scharf an.
After the news, the politician sharply attacked his opponent in the press.
kritisieren
Ich kritisiere den Plan, weil wichtige Kosten fehlen.
I am criticizing the plan because important costs are missing.
In real life
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