kapieren
to get
A colloquial expression for understanding or grasping something.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Anleitung dreimal gelesen, aber ich kapiere es immer noch nicht.
I've read the instructions three times, but I still don't get it.
kapieren
to get
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register: colloquial
'Kapieren' (to get) is a very common word in spoken language and informal texts. In formal situations, such as an academic paper or an official letter, you should avoid it.
EXAMPLE
Endlich habe ich kapiert, wie diese App funktioniert.
I finally got how this app works.
Sentence structure
Grammatically, 'kapieren' (to get) is used like 'verstehen' (to understand). It can take a direct accusative object or introduce a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that), 'wie' (how), or a question word.
EXAMPLE
Ich kapiere diese Aufgabe einfach nicht.
I just don't get this task.
Typical usage
The word is especially often used in questions ('Hast du es kapiert?' — Did you get it?) or in negative sentences ('Ich kapiere es nicht.' — I don't get it.) to express that you have understood something, or not.
EXAMPLE
Warte, ich glaube, jetzt hab ich's kapiert!
Wait, I think I've got it now!
Compare with
kapieren vs verstehen
to understand
Here, verstehen and kapieren refer to the same mental process of understanding. Verstehen is neutral and suitable in almost any situation. Kapieren is distinctly colloquial and can sound impatient or harsh, especially in direct questions, so it is more appropriate in casual conversations.
kapieren
Unter Freunden fragt Ben genervt: „Hast du die Erklärung jetzt kapiert?“
Among friends, Ben asks irritably, “Do you get the explanation now?”
verstehen
Die Lehrerin fragt höflich: „Haben Sie die Erklärung verstanden?“
The teacher asks politely, “Did you understand the explanation?”
In real life
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