to concern / affect
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to concern / affect
To relate to someone or something; to be important or relevant for someone or something.
Die neue Regelung betrifft alle Studierenden ab dem nächsten Semester.
The new regulation affects all students starting next semester.
to affect / move
To touch someone emotionally, make them sad or thoughtful.
Das Schicksal der Flüchtlinge betrifft mich sehr.
The fate of the refugees affects me deeply.
to catch
To surprise or catch someone during a forbidden or secret action. This meaning is rare today.
Der Dieb wurde auf frischer Tat betroffen.
The thief was caught in the act.
'Betreffen' (to concern/affect) is an inseparable verb that comes from the verb 'treffen' (to hit/meet). The basic idea is that something 'hits' someone or something—either in the sense of relevance or in the sense of an emotional effect.
Diese Kritik trifft mich nicht, denn sie ist unfair.
This criticism doesn't affect me because it is unfair.
A very common and useful construction is 'Was ... betrifft, ...' (As far as ... is concerned, ...). It is used to name a topic at the beginning of a sentence. After the comma comes a main clause with the verb in first position.
Was meine Pläne für den Sommer betrifft, habe ich noch keine Entscheidung getroffen.
As far as my plans for the summer are concerned, I haven't made a decision yet.
You can distinguish the meanings 'relevant sein' (to be relevant) and 'emotional berühren' (to touch emotionally) by looking at the subject. If the subject is a rule, law, or topic, it is about relevance. If the subject is an event, story, or fate, it is usually about feelings.
Die Änderung der Öffnungszeiten betrifft alle Mitarbeiter.
The change in opening hours affects all employees.
The meaning 'jemanden ertappen' (to catch someone) is outdated and is hardly used actively today. You almost only find it in the past participle in the fixed expression 'auf frischer Tat betroffen werden' (to be caught in the act).
Der Einbrecher wurde auf frischer Tat betroffen und festgenommen.
The burglar was caught in the act and arrested.
to apply / be valid
A regulation gilt für guests when it applies to this group. It betrifft guests when it is relevant to them or affects them. Gelten therefore emphasizes applicability, while betreffen emphasizes that the people are affected.
Die Änderung der Hausordnung betrifft auch die Gäste.
The change to the house rules also affects the guests.
Die neue Hausordnung gilt auch für Gäste.
The new house rules also apply to guests.
