empfangen
to receive
To get something that is sent or transmitted to you, such as a letter, a package, or a technical signal.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe Ihre E-Mail leider erst heute Morgen empfangen.
Unfortunately, I only received your email this morning.
empfangen
to receive
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Meanings
empfangen
to receive
To greet and welcome guests or visitors formally.
EXAMPLE
Der Bürgermeister wird die Delegation persönlich im Rathaus empfangen.
The mayor will receive the delegation personally at city hall.
empfangen
to perceive
To perceive a certain sensation, impression, or feeling. This use is rather elevated or literary.
EXAMPLE
Beim Betreten des alten Hauses empfing sie ein Gefühl der Beklemmung.
Upon entering the old house, she perceived a feeling of unease.
empfangen
to conceive
To become pregnant; to conceive a child. This meaning is now outdated or used only in religious or very formal contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Engel verkündete Maria, dass sie einen Sohn empfangen werde.
The angel announced to Mary that she would conceive a son.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Empfangen' (to receive) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'emp-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Er empfing seine Gäste mit einem Lächeln.
He received his guests with a smile.
Register: elevated
The verb 'empfangen' (to receive) generally belongs to a more formal or elevated style of language. In everyday speech, other verbs are often used.
EXAMPLE
Der Präsident empfängt morgen den ausländischen Staatsgast.
The president will receive the foreign state guest tomorrow.
Context clue: object
You can easily distinguish the meanings 'erhalten' (to receive) and 'begrüßen' (to greet) by the object. If the object is a thing (letter, signal), it means 'to receive'. If the object is a person (guest, delegation), it means 'to greet' or 'to receive'.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mit Ihrem Handy hier ein gutes Signal empfangen?
Can you receive a good signal here with your phone?
Register: literary
The meaning 'ein Gefühl wahrnehmen' (to perceive a feeling) is found almost exclusively in literature or in very poetic language. It hardly occurs in normal usage.
EXAMPLE
Als er den Raum betrat, empfing er eine Welle der Feindseligkeit.
As he entered the room, he perceived a wave of hostility.
Register: outdated
The meaning 'schwanger werden' (to become pregnant) is outdated. Today it is used only in historical or religious texts, for example in the Bible.
EXAMPLE
In der biblischen Geschichte wird erzählt, dass Sara im hohen Alter einen Sohn empfing.
In the biblical story, it is said that Sarah conceived a son at an advanced age.
Compare with
empfangen vs bekommen
to get / receive
Bekommen and empfangen can both mean that a sent message arrives. Bekommen is general and works well in conversation. Empfangen places more emphasis on the transmission process and is particularly appropriate for formal or technical content.
empfangen
Die Leitstelle hat die verschlüsselte Nachricht gestern empfangen.
The control center received the encrypted message yesterday.
bekommen
Ich habe deine Nachricht gestern bekommen.
I got your message yesterday.
In real life
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