to receive
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to receive
To get something that is sent or transmitted to you, such as a letter, a package, or a technical signal.
Ich habe Ihre E-Mail leider erst heute Morgen empfangen.
Unfortunately, I only received your email this morning.
'Empfangen' (to receive) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'emp-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Er empfing seine Gäste mit einem Lächeln.
He received his guests with a smile.
The verb 'empfangen' (to receive) generally belongs to a more formal or elevated style of language. In everyday speech, other verbs are often used.
Der Präsident empfängt morgen den ausländischen Staatsgast.
The president will receive the foreign state guest tomorrow.
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'.
Können Sie mit Ihrem Handy hier ein gutes Signal empfangen?
Can you receive a good signal here with your phone?
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.
Als er den Raum betrat, empfing er eine Welle der Feindseligkeit.
As he entered the room, he perceived a wave of hostility.
The meaning 'schwanger werden' (to become pregnant) is outdated. Today it is used only in historical or religious texts, for example in the Bible.
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.
to be called / to mean
'jemanden willkommen heißen' (to welcome someone) and 'empfangen' can both mean that you greet guests. 'willkommen heißen' emphasizes that you show a person: you are wanted here. This can happen in a friendly way, officially, or even in a speech. 'empfangen' describes more the situation in which guests or visitors arrive and are greeted by someone. It often sounds somewhat more formal than simply 'begrüßen' (to greet). If the friendly welcome is important, 'willkommen heißen' fits well; if it is about receiving guests, 'empfangen' is more natural.
Wegen der Feier empfängt die Schule die Eltern schon am Eingang.
Because of the celebration, the school receives the parents right at the entrance.
Die Chefin heißt die neuen Mitarbeiter im Büro willkommen.
The boss welcomes the new employees to the office.