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ergreifend
moving / touching
Causing strong feelings such as emotion, sympathy, or sadness; emotionally very moving.
example
Die Rede des Zeitzeugen war zutiefst ergreifend.
The eyewitness's speech was deeply moving.
ergreifend
moving / touching
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Ergreifend' (moving/touching) is the present participle of the verb 'ergreifen' (to seize/grasp). 'Ergreifen' means 'to grasp' or 'to grab'. So something 'ergreifend' (moving/touching) is something that 'grabs' a person's feelings and touches them deeply emotionally.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte ihres Lebens hat mich tief ergriffen.
The story of her life moved me deeply.
Typical collocations
The adjective is often used to describe art, music, literature, or special moments. Typical combinations are: 'eine ergreifende Geschichte' (a moving story), 'ein ergreifender Film' (a moving film), 'ergreifende Musik' (moving music), or 'ein ergreifender Abschied' (a moving farewell).
EXAMPLE
Der Film endete mit einer sehr ergreifenden Szene.
The film ended with a very moving scene.
Register and style
'Ergreifend' (moving/touching) is an expressive word that describes a deep emotional reaction. It is often used in written language or in situations where you want to express strong feelings.
EXAMPLE
Seine Dankesrede war kurz, aber unglaublich ergreifend.
His acceptance speech was short but incredibly moving.
Compare with
ergreifend vs emotional
emotional
'emotional' and 'ergreifend' are close in meaning because both are connected with strong feelings. 'emotional' is broader: it can describe a mood, a conversation, or a person when feelings play a major role. 'ergreifend' usually describes something that deeply touches others, for example a story, music, or a speech. It often sounds stronger and more solemn than 'emotional'. The words can be confused because something moving or touching always feels emotional. But not everything emotional is automatically moving or touching.
ergreifend
Bei der Feier hörten wir eine ergreifende Rede über den verstorbenen Kollegen.
At the ceremony, we heard a moving speech about the colleague who had passed away.
emotional
Frau Weber fand den Film interessant, aber vor allem sehr emotional.
Ms. Weber found the film interesting, but above all very emotional.
In real life
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