01
ergreifen
to seize
To take something quickly and often firmly with the hand; to grab something.
example
Er ergriff ihren Arm, um sie zurückzuhalten.
He seized her arm to hold her back.
ergreifen
to seize / take
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'er-' is inseparable. It remains firmly attached to the verb 'greifen' (to grasp) in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Sie ergriff die Chance und bewarb sich für die Stelle.
She seized the opportunity and applied for the position.
Register and style
'Ergreifen' (to seize / take) is often more formal, elevated, or literary than the simpler verb 'nehmen' (to take). It is frequently used to describe a decisive or meaningful action.
EXAMPLE
Der König ergriff die Macht nach dem Tod seines Vaters.
The king seized power after his father's death.
Emotional effect
To express that one is emotionally touched, the form 'ergriffen sein' (to be moved) is often used. In this case, the person is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Wir waren alle tief von seiner Rede ergriffen.
We were all deeply moved by his speech.
Fixed expression
The combination 'Maßnahmen ergreifen' (to take measures) is a very common fixed expression in formal contexts such as politics, business, or administration.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt muss schnell Maßnahmen ergreifen, um die Luftqualität zu verbessern.
The city has to take measures quickly to improve air quality.
Fixed expression
The expression 'die Gelegenheit ergreifen' (to seize the opportunity) is a fixed collocation and means to actively make use of a good chance. It is often expanded with 'um zu...' (in order to...).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Gelegenheit ergriffen, um mein Deutsch zu verbessern.
I seized the opportunity to improve my German.
Fixed expression
The expression 'einen Beruf ergreifen' (to enter a profession) is a formal way to say that one decides on a career and begins it. It is often used in the context of résumés or biographical narratives.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Abitur wusste er nicht sofort, welchen Beruf er ergreifen sollte.
After graduating from high school, he did not immediately know which profession he should enter.
Context clue
In the meaning 'fangen' (to catch) or 'festnehmen' (to arrest), 'ergreifen' (to apprehend) is used almost exclusively in the context of the police, the justice system, and the pursuit of suspects or fugitives.
EXAMPLE
Spezialeinheiten konnten den Täter auf seiner Flucht ergreifen.
Special units were able to apprehend the perpetrator while he was fleeing.
Fixed expression
'Das Wort ergreifen' (to take the floor) is a fixed idiom in discussions, debates, or meetings. It means that one begins to speak to the group.
EXAMPLE
Während der Konferenz ergriff eine junge Wissenschaftlerin das Wort.
During the conference, a young scientist took the floor.
Compare with
ergreifen vs treffen
to meet / to hit
'treffen' and 'ergreifen' can both describe something that triggers strong feelings. 'treffen' often sounds more personal or negative: criticism, news, or a remark can affect someone and hurt them. 'ergreifen' more often means that something deeply moves someone, for example a speech, music, or a sad scene. The words can be confused because both have to do with inner reactions. If something hurts or affects someone directly, 'treffen' is more appropriate. If something touches or moves someone strongly, 'ergreifen' fits better.
ergreifen
Die Geschichte der alten Frau ergreift das ganze Publikum.
The old woman's story moves the whole audience.
treffen
Die harte Kritik trifft ihn mehr, als er zeigen möchte.
The harsh criticism affects him more than he wants to show.
In real life
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