01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
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
'verstehen' and 'kapieren' mean almost the same thing in many situations: you recognize the meaning of something. The most important difference is style. 'verstehen' is neutral and fits in almost all situations, including at school, at work, or in formal conversations. 'kapieren' is colloquial and sounds more casual. It fits well among friends or in the family, but not always in official situations. If you want to speak safely and neutrally, use 'verstehen'. If the situation is relaxed, 'kapieren' can sound very natural.
kapieren
Habt ihr kapiert, warum der Computer nicht funktioniert?
Did you get why the computer isn't working?
verstehen
Ich verstehe den Plan für die Reise noch nicht ganz.
I don't quite understand the plan for the trip yet.
In real life
Loading video examples...