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
begreifen
to grasp / feel
To touch and feel something with the hands in order to perceive it. This meaning is rarer and often elevated or literary.
EXAMPLE
Blind versuchte er, die Form der Statue mit den Händen zu begreifen.
Blind, he tried to grasp the shape of the statue with his hands.
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 verstehen
to understand
Verstehen and begreifen both refer to grasping something mentally. Begreifen often emphasizes a deeper understanding of a difficult or abstract matter, which sometimes only develops after prolonged thought. Verstehen is the more general choice when the meaning is clear.
begreifen
Nach langem Nachdenken begreife ich endlich die schwierige Regel.
After thinking about it for a long time, I finally grasp the difficult rule.
verstehen
Nach der Erklärung verstehe ich die schwierige Regel.
After the explanation, I understand the difficult rule.
In real life
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