handhaben
to handle
To use, operate, or deal with a device, tool, or situation.
EXAMPLE
Er wusste nicht, wie man diese komplizierte Maschine handhaben muss.
He did not know how to handle this complicated machine.
handhaben
to handle
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
handhaben
to handle
To apply or practice a rule, law, or procedure in a particular way.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Bundesland handhabt die Vergabe der Studienplätze etwas anders.
Each federal state handles the allocation of university places somewhat differently.
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'handhaben' (to handle) can be derived from 'Hand' (hand) and 'haben' (to have). The literal idea is to have something 'in der Hand' (in one's hand) and therefore exercise control over it.
EXAMPLE
Diese Kamera ist sehr einfach zu handhaben.
This camera is very easy to handle.
Inseparable verb
'Handhaben' (to handle) is an inseparable verb. The stress is on the second syllable ('hand-HA-ben'), which is why the prefix 'hand-' always remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er handhabt die schwierige Situation sehr professionell.
He handles the difficult situation very professionally.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If it is a concrete object (tool, device), it means 'bedienen' (to operate). If it is something abstract (problem, rule, situation), it means 'damit umgehen' (to deal with it) or 'anwenden' (to apply).
EXAMPLE
Der neue Mitarbeiter kann die Software noch nicht gut handhaben.
The new employee cannot handle the software well yet.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'bedienen' (to operate), 'handhaben' (to handle) is often used with objects such as 'ein Werkzeug' (a tool), 'eine Maschine' (a machine), 'ein Gerät' (a device), or 'eine Waffe' (a weapon).
EXAMPLE
Ein Chirurg muss seine Instrumente perfekt handhaben können.
A surgeon must be able to handle their instruments perfectly.
Use with adverbs
When dealing with rules or situations, 'handhaben' (to handle) is often combined with adverbs that describe the manner: to handle something 'flexibel' (flexibly), 'streng' (strictly), 'kulant' (accommodatingly), or 'vorsichtig' (carefully).
EXAMPLE
Die Universität handhabt die Anmeldungen sehr streng.
The university handles registrations very strictly.
Compare with
handhaben vs benutzen
to use
Both verbs can describe the practical handling of a tool. „Benutzen“ emphasizes using the tool for a task, while „handhaben“ focuses more on the way it is handled. Use „benutzen“ for the purpose and „handhaben“ when careful or skillful handling is important.
handhaben
Sie handhabt den Bohrer vorsichtig, damit sie die Wand nicht beschädigt.
She handles the drill carefully so that she doesn’t damage the wall.
benutzen
Ich benutze den Bohrer, um ein Loch in die Wand zu machen.
I use the drill to make a hole in the wall.
In real life
Loading video examples...