empfinden
to feel
To feel or experience a feeling, an emotion, or a physical sensation.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung empfand er eine tiefe Müdigkeit.
After the long hike, he felt a deep tiredness.
empfinden
to feel / perceive
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Meanings
etwas als ... empfinden
to perceive as
To perceive, judge, or regard something in a certain subjective way.
EXAMPLE
Ich empfinde seine ständige Kritik als unfair und verletzend.
I perceive his constant criticism as unfair and hurtful.
etwas für jemanden empfinden
to feel for someone
To feel deep affection, sympathy, or love for another person.
EXAMPLE
Sie war sich nicht sicher, ob sie mehr als nur Freundschaft für ihn empfand.
She was not sure whether she felt more than just friendship for him.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Empfinden' (to feel/perceive) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'emp-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all conjugated forms and sentence types.
EXAMPLE
Sie empfand große Freude, als sie die Nachricht hörte.
She felt great joy when she heard the news.
Register
The verb 'empfinden' (to feel/perceive) belongs to an elevated or written style. It is often used to express deep inner feelings or perceptions.
EXAMPLE
Der Dichter beschreibt, was die Hauptfigur in diesem Moment empfindet.
The poet describes what the main character feels at that moment.
Typical collocations
In its basic meaning, 'empfinden' (to feel) is often combined with feelings and sensory perceptions. Typical phrases are: 'Freude empfinden' (to feel joy), 'Schmerz empfinden' (to feel pain), 'Dankbarkeit empfinden' (to feel gratitude), or 'Kälte empfinden' (to feel cold).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Operation empfand er an der Stelle einen leichten Schmerz.
After the operation, he felt a slight pain in that spot.
Fixed sentence pattern
To express a subjective evaluation, the fixed structure 'etwas als ... empfinden' (to perceive something as ...) is used. The object being evaluated is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Viele Mitarbeiter empfinden die neue Regelung als große Belastung.
Many employees perceive the new regulation as a major burden.
Use with 'für'
When talking about feelings for a person, the construction 'etwas für jemanden empfinden' (to feel something for someone) is used. 'Etwas' (something) can also be left indefinite.
EXAMPLE
Er hat ihr gestanden, dass er mehr für sie empfindet.
He confessed to her that he feels more for her.
Compare with
empfinden vs haben
to have
Both words can express a feeling such as fear. „Haben“ is the usual, neutral collocation and describes the state, while „empfinden“ places more emphasis on consciously experiencing the feeling internally and often sounds more formal. In everyday speech, „Angst haben“ is usually the better choice; in a more precise description, „Angst empfinden“ can also be used.
empfinden
Vor der Prüfung empfand Mia große Angst und konnte sich kaum konzentrieren.
Mia felt intense fear before the exam and could barely concentrate.
haben
Vor der Prüfung hatte Mia große Angst.
Mia was very afraid before the exam.
In real life
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