greifen
to grab
To take, grasp, or seize something with the hand.
EXAMPLE
Er griff nach dem Buch, das auf dem obersten Regal lag.
He reached for the book that was on the top shelf.
greifen
to grab / take effect
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Meanings
zu etwas greifen
to resort to
To take a certain measure or use a certain means, often in response to a difficult situation.
EXAMPLE
Wenn die Kopfschmerzen nicht besser werden, muss ich wohl zu einer Tablette greifen.
If the headache doesn't get better, I'll probably have to resort to a tablet.
greifen
to take effect
To become effective or come into application (referring to a law, rule, or measure).
EXAMPLE
Die neue Verkehrsregel greift ab dem kommenden Montag.
The new traffic rule takes effect starting next Monday.
greifen
to catch
To catch or arrest someone.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei konnte den Einbrecher noch am Tatort greifen.
The police were able to catch the burglar at the scene of the crime.
um sich greifen
to spread
To spread quickly and uncontrollably (e.g., a disease, a fire, an idea).
EXAMPLE
Die Grippewelle begann in der Schule schnell um sich zu greifen.
The wave of flu began to spread quickly through the school.
Usage tips
Word family
'Greifen' (to grab) is the base word for many important verbs such as 'begreifen' (to understand), 'angreifen' (to attack), or 'eingreifen' (to intervene). The basic idea of 'grasping' or 'comprehending' is often recognizable.
EXAMPLE
Es ist schwer zu begreifen, was passiert ist.
It is hard to understand what happened.
Use with 'nach'
To emphasize movement toward an object, the construction 'greifen nach' + dative is often used. If you take the object directly, an accusative object can also follow.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind griff nach der Hand seiner Mutter.
The child reached for his mother's hand.
Fixed expression: zu etwas greifen
The expression 'zu etwas greifen' (to resort to something) means to choose a certain means or measure, often out of necessity. The noun is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Bei starken Schmerzen sollte man zu einem Medikament greifen.
For severe pain, one should resort to medication.
Abstract meaning
In this meaning, 'greifen' (to take effect) is used impersonally, and the subject is always an abstract concept such as a law, rule, or reform. It means 'wirksam werden' (to become effective) or 'gelten' (to apply).
EXAMPLE
Die neue Regelung greift ab dem ersten Januar.
The new regulation takes effect on the first of January.
Fixed expression: um sich greifen
The expression 'um sich greifen' (to spread) is a fixed expression and means that something spreads quickly and often uncontrollably. It is mostly used for negative things such as fire, diseases, or panic.
EXAMPLE
Die Angst vor dem Virus griff schnell um sich.
Fear of the virus spread quickly.
Compare with
greifen vs gelten
to apply / be valid
Gelten describes a rule as valid or applicable to a case. Greifen emphasizes that under certain conditions it actually becomes effective or is put into practice. Gelten fits general validity, while greifen fits taking effect in a specific case.
greifen
Bei einer verspäteten Lieferung ins Ausland greift die Regel sofort.
If a shipment abroad is delayed, the rule takes effect immediately.
gelten
Die Regel gilt für alle Lieferungen ins Ausland.
The rule applies to all shipments abroad.
In real life
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