01
heften
to staple
To join several sheets of paper with a staple, usually using a stapler.
example
Könntest du mir die Dokumente bitte in der richtigen Reihenfolge heften?
Could you please staple the documents for me in the correct order?
heften
to staple / baste
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'heften' (to staple/baste) is related to the noun 'das Heft' (notebook). Both share the basic idea of fastening or joining something together.
EXAMPLE
Die losen Blätter wurden zu einem kleinen Heft geheftet.
The loose sheets were stapled into a small booklet.
Typical collocations
When it comes to paper, 'heften' (to staple) is often used with objects such as 'Dokumente' (documents), 'Rechnungen' (invoices), or 'lose Blätter' (loose sheets). You can also say that you staple something 'zusammen' (together).
EXAMPLE
Bitte hefte alle Rechnungen für die Buchhaltung zusammen.
Please staple all the invoices together for accounting.
Technical term
In the meaning 'provisorisch nähen' (to sew temporarily), 'heften' (to baste) is a technical term from tailoring and sewing.
EXAMPLE
Bevor ich die Hose richtig nähe, hefte ich sie nur schnell, um die Länge zu prüfen.
Before I sew the pants properly, I'll just baste them quickly to check the length.
Fixed expression
The expression 'den Blick auf etwas heften' (to fix one's gaze on something) is fixed. The object is always 'der Blick' (the gaze), and the direction is indicated with the preposition 'auf' plus accusative.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind heftete seinen Blick auf das bunte Spielzeug im Schaufenster.
The child fixed his gaze on the colorful toy in the shop window.
Fixed expression
This meaning is used in the fixed reflexive expression 'sich an jemandes Fersen heften' (to follow closely on someone's heels). It expresses persistent pursuit.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei heftete sich sofort an die Fersen des flüchtigen Bankräubers.
The police immediately followed closely on the fleeing bank robber's heels.
Compare with
heften vs folgen
to follow
'folgen' and 'sich an jemandes Fersen heften' (to follow closely on someone's heels) can both mean that you walk or drive behind a person. 'folgen' is the normal, neutral word. It fits when someone simply stays behind someone or takes the same route. 'sich an jemandes Fersen heften' sounds stronger and more figurative. It means that you follow very closely and persistently, often as in a pursuit. In everyday language, 'folgen' is usually more natural; the expression with 'heften' fits better when closeness or persistence is important.
heften
Der Reporter heftete sich an die Fersen des Politikers und stellte immer weiter Fragen.
The reporter followed closely on the politician's heels and kept asking more questions.
folgen
Bitte folge mir zur Anmeldung, ich zeige dir den Weg.
Please follow me to registration; I'll show you the way.
In real life
Loading video examples...