01
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
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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
'haben' and 'empfinden' can both have to do with feelings, states, or personal impressions. 'haben' is the normal and simple word: you can have fear, hunger, pain, or a good feeling. 'empfinden' puts more emphasis on inner feeling or personal perception and sounds somewhat more elevated. It is also often used with 'als', for example 'etwas als unangenehm empfinden' (to perceive something as unpleasant). Learners may confuse the words because sometimes you can say both, such as 'Angst haben' (to be afraid) and 'Angst empfinden' (to feel fear). In everyday language, 'haben' is usually more natural; 'empfinden' fits when you are describing the feeling more precisely or more consciously.
empfinden
Sie empfindet die laute Musik im Krankenhaus als sehr störend.
She finds the loud music in the hospital very disturbing.
haben
Im Urlaub hatte ich endlich wieder Ruhe.
On vacation, I finally had peace and quiet again.
In real life
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