01
der Griff
handle
The part of an object that is made for holding or operating it with your hand.
example
Der Griff der Kaffeetasse ist abgebrochen.
The handle of the coffee cup broke off.
der Griff
handle / grip
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Griff' is the noun related to the verb 'greifen' (to grab, to grasp). It describes either the act of grabbing itself or the part of an object that you grab.
EXAMPLE
Er konnte nach dem Seil greifen und sich festhalten.
He was able to grab the rope and hold on.
Two fixed expressions
There are two very similar expressions: 'etwas im Griff haben' (dative) describes a state of control. 'Etwas in den Griff bekommen' (accusative) describes the process of gaining control.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Managerin hat die Abteilung gut im Griff.
The new manager has the department well under control.
Typical collocations
As part of an object, 'Griff' is often connected with the object in the genitive or with 'von': 'der Griff der Tür' (the handle of the door), 'der Griff des Koffers' (the handle of the suitcase), or 'der Griff von einer Tasse' (the handle of a cup).
EXAMPLE
Der Griff von meinem Regenschirm ist locker.
The handle of my umbrella is loose.
Describing the action
When 'Griff' describes the act of grabbing, it is often preceded by an adjective that describes the type of movement, e.g. 'ein schneller Griff' (a quick grab), 'ein fester Griff' (a firm grip), or 'ein gezielter Griff' (a targeted grab).
EXAMPLE
Mit einem gezielten Griff holte sie das Buch aus dem Regal.
With one precise grab, she took the book from the shelf.
Context: sports
The meaning 'spezielle Technik' (special technique) is mainly used in combat sports such as judo, wrestling, or self-defense. People talk about 'einen Griff anzusetzen' (to apply a hold) or 'sich aus einem Griff zu befreien' (to free oneself from a hold).
EXAMPLE
Im Judokurs lernte sie, wie man sich aus einem festen Griff befreit.
In the judo course, she learned how to free herself from a firm hold.
Compare with
Griff vs Kontrolle
control / check
'die Kontrolle' and 'der Griff' are similar when it comes to fixed expressions like 'etwas im Griff haben' (to have something under control) or 'etwas in den Griff bekommen' (to get something under control). In that case, 'Griff' means that you can manage a situation or control a problem. 'Kontrolle' is more general and direct: you have power over something or can steer it. In these expressions, 'Griff' often sounds more everyday and emphasizes that you are practically dealing with a difficult matter. The words can be confused because 'im Griff haben' means almost the same as 'unter Kontrolle haben'. Outside these expressions, however, 'Griff' is usually the part that you hold with your hand.
Griff
Die neue Teamleiterin hat die schwierige Planung gut im Griff.
The new team leader has the difficult planning well under control.
Kontrolle
Nach dem Streit verlor Tom kurz die Kontrolle über seine Stimme.
After the argument, Tom briefly lost control of his voice.
In real life
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