01
berühren
to touch
To make light physical contact with something or someone.
example
Er berührte sie sanft am Arm, um ihre Aufmerksamkeit zu bekommen.
He touched her gently on the arm to get her attention.
berühren
to touch
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Berühren' (to touch) is an inseparable verb made up of the prefix 'be-' and the verb 'rühren' (to move/stir). The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms.
EXAMPLE
Bitte berühren Sie die Kunstwerke im Museum nicht.
Please do not touch the artworks in the museum.
Always with accusative
The verb 'berühren' is always used with an accusative object. It answers the question 'Wen oder was berühren?' (whom or what to touch?).
EXAMPLE
Seine Worte haben alle Anwesenden tief berührt.
His words deeply touched everyone present.
Context clue
The meaning of 'berühren' depends on the object. A physical object points to the literal meaning, a person to the emotional meaning, and an abstract topic to the figurative meaning (to affect/concern).
EXAMPLE
Ihre Hand berührte kurz seine Schulter.
Her hand briefly touched his shoulder.
Light contact
In its literal meaning, 'berühren' usually describes light, often brief physical contact. It is not a firm or grasping action.
EXAMPLE
Die Äste des Baumes berühren fast das Fenster.
The branches of the tree almost touch the window.
Emotional meaning
When 'berühren' is meant emotionally, it is often intensified with adverbs such as 'tief' (deeply), 'sehr' (very much), or 'kaum' (hardly). It describes that a situation, a story, or music triggers strong feelings.
EXAMPLE
Ihre traurige Lebensgeschichte hat mich sehr berührt.
Her sad life story touched me very much.
Compare with
berühren vs treffen
to meet / to hit
'treffen' and 'berühren' can both mean that something affects someone or something. 'berühren' can very concretely mean light physical contact. But it can also mean that something triggers feelings. With feelings, 'treffen' often sounds stronger and more negative, for example with a harsh remark or bad news. In addition, 'berühren' can mean, in a factual sense, that a topic has to do with something. The words can be confused because both can be meant physically or emotionally. Remember: a hand lightly 'berührt' the shoulder; terrible news 'trifft' someone deeply.
berühren
Der Film hat viele Zuschauer am Abend sehr berührt.
The film deeply moved many viewers that evening.
treffen
Seine Worte treffen sie mehr, als er erwartet hat.
His words hurt her more than he expected.
In real life
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