01
begreifen
to understand / grasp
To grasp and understand a complex or abstract matter with the mind.
example
Ich kann einfach nicht begreifen, warum er so gehandelt hat.
I simply can't understand why he acted that way.
begreifen
to understand / grasp
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Begreifen' (to understand/grasp) is an inseparable verb made up of the prefix 'be-' and the verb 'greifen' (to grasp). It transfers the idea of physically grasping something to mentally grasping a concept.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Regeln des Spiels schnell begriffen.
He quickly grasped the rules of the game.
Sentence structure and usage
'Begreifen' (to understand/grasp) is very often used with a subordinate clause that begins with 'dass' (that), 'warum' (why), or 'wie' (how). This expresses which matter is or is not understood.
EXAMPLE
Ich begreife nicht, wie das passieren konnte.
I don't understand how that could happen.
Usage note
'Begreifen' (to understand/grasp) often expresses a deeper, more comprehensive understanding that goes beyond simply taking in information. It often implies that you grasp the full implications or the emotional aspects of something.
EXAMPLE
Erst nach dem Gespräch begriff sie die Konsequenzen ihrer Entscheidung.
Only after the conversation did she grasp the consequences of her decision.
Register and style
The literal meaning 'etwas mit den Händen greifen' (to grasp something with the hands) is very rare today. It is used almost only in literary or very elevated texts.
EXAMPLE
Mit seinen Händen versuchte er, die kalte Oberfläche des Steins zu begreifen.
With his hands, he tried to grasp the cold surface of the stone.
Compare with
begreifen vs sehen
to see
'sehen' and 'begreifen' can both express that you understand something. In this meaning, 'sehen' is more everyday and often brief: 'Ich sehe, was du meinst' (I see what you mean). 'begreifen' sounds stronger and means that you really grasp a connection with your mind, especially when something is difficult or abstract. 'sehen' fits well when you recognize or realize something. 'begreifen' fits better when it is about deeper understanding.
begreifen
Erst nach mehreren Übungen hat Mehmet die Regel wirklich begriffen.
Only after several exercises did Mehmet really understand the rule.
sehen
Nach deiner Erklärung sehe ich, warum der Plan nicht funktioniert.
After your explanation, I see why the plan doesn't work.
In real life
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