to interpret / grasp
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to interpret
To understand, read, or interpret something in a particular way.
Seine Kritik war nicht böse gemeint, aber sie hat es leider falsch aufgefasst.
His criticism wasn't meant maliciously, but unfortunately she interpreted it the wrong way.
'Auffassen' (to interpret / grasp) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' goes at the end in main clauses, while it stays connected to the verb in subordinate clauses and in the infinitive.
Er fasst neue Regeln sehr schnell auf.
He grasps new rules very quickly.
If it is about a social reaction or the interpretation of a statement, the meaning is usually 'interpretieren' (to interpret). If it is about understanding facts, knowledge, or learning material, it means 'begreifen' (to grasp).
Sie hat seinen Scherz als Beleidigung aufgefasst.
She interpreted his joke as an insult.
In the meaning 'interpretieren' (to interpret), 'auffassen' is almost always used with an adverb or the preposition 'als' (as). These indicate in what way something is understood.
Bitte fassen Sie meine direkten Worte nicht persönlich auf.
Please don't take my direct words personally.
When it is about grasping information, 'auffassen' is often combined with adverbs such as 'schnell' (quickly), 'langsam' (slowly), or 'leicht' (easily). A person who learns quickly has 'eine schnelle Auffassungsgabe' (a quick grasp).
Manche Schüler fassen den Stoff leichter auf als andere.
Some students grasp the material more easily than others.
to understand
'verstehen' and 'auffassen' can both mean that you mentally grasp something. 'verstehen' is the normal and general word when the meaning of something becomes clear. 'auffassen' often emphasizes the way someone understands or interprets something: you can take a comment kindly, wrongly, or as criticism. In the meaning of 'grasping information', 'auffassen' often appears with words like 'schnell' (quickly) or 'langsam' (slowly). Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with understanding. A simple rule is: for normal understanding, 'verstehen' usually fits; for a particular interpretation or learning speed, 'auffassen' is better.
Bitte fasse meine Frage nicht als Kritik auf.
Please don't take my question as criticism.
Den Brief vom Amt verstehe ich ohne Hilfe nicht.
I can't understand the letter from the government office without help.