handgreiflich
violent
Using physical violence; hitting, pushing, or otherwise physically attacking someone.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem lauten Streit wurde einer der Männer handgreiflich.
After a loud argument, one of the men became violent.
handgreiflich
violent / tangible
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Meanings
handgreiflich
tangible
(elevated, becoming dated) Obvious, clearly recognizable, or concretely graspable.
EXAMPLE
Der Widerspruch in seiner Argumentation war geradezu handgreiflich.
The contradiction in his argument was downright tangible.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective is derived from 'Hand' (hand) and 'greifen' (to grasp). The ending '-lich' makes it an adjective. The literal idea is something that you can grasp or touch with your hand, which explains both the physical and the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Seine Wut war fast handgreiflich, so wütend war er.
His anger was almost tangible, that was how angry he was.
Typical collocation
In the meaning 'physically violent', 'handgreiflich' (violent) is very often combined with the verb 'werden' (to become). The phrase 'handgreiflich werden' means to start using physical violence.
EXAMPLE
Die Diskussion wurde so hitzig, dass er beinahe handgreiflich geworden wäre.
The discussion became so heated that he almost became violent.
Register: elevated
The meaning 'offensichtlich' (obvious) or 'fassbar' (tangible/graspable) is rare today and is perceived as elevated or becoming dated. You are more likely to find it in older literature or in very formal language.
EXAMPLE
Der Vorteil dieser Methode war ein handgreiflicher Beweis für ihre Effektivität.
The advantage of this method was tangible proof of its effectiveness.
Context clue
You can easily distinguish the two meanings: If 'handgreiflich' (violent/tangible) refers to a person's behavior in a conflict, it means 'gewalttätig' (violent). If it describes a thing, a piece of evidence, or an advantage, it means 'offensichtlich' (obvious) or 'konkret' (concrete).
EXAMPLE
Er wurde gegenüber dem Polizisten handgreiflich.
He became violent toward the police officer.
Compare with
handgreiflich vs gewalttätig
violent
Gewalttätig and handgreiflich both relate to physical violence. Gewalttätig generally describes a person’s tendency or characteristic, while handgreiflich refers to a specific physical attack. Use gewalttätig for a general characterization and handgreiflich when someone actually hits, pushes, or attacks someone.
handgreiflich
Der Mann wurde handgreiflich, als sein Nachbar ihn zur Ruhe aufforderte.
The man became violent when his neighbor told him to calm down.
gewalttätig
Der gewalttätige Mann sorgt in der Nachbarschaft immer wieder für Angst.
The violent man repeatedly frightens people in the neighborhood.
In real life
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