01
klappen
to work
To function, succeed, or be successful. Often used to express that a plan or intention could be carried out as desired.
example
Ich hoffe, es klappt morgen mit unserem Treffen.
I hope it works out tomorrow with our meeting.
klappen
to work / to fold
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
'Klappen' means 'to work' or 'to succeed'. It is a false friend of the English verb 'to clap', which is 'klatschen' in German.
EXAMPLE
Super, der Plan hat geklappt!
Great, the plan worked!
Sentence structure and use
'Klappen' (to work) is very often used impersonally with 'es' (it). If you want to say exactly what works out, you use the preposition 'mit' + dative.
EXAMPLE
Hat es mit dem neuen Job geklappt?
Did it work out with the new job?
Register: colloquial
In the meaning 'to work' or 'to succeed', 'klappen' is a very common word in spoken language and informal texts.
EXAMPLE
Ruf mich an, wenn es klappt.
Call me if it works out.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about a plan, an appointment, or an action, 'klappen' means 'to succeed' or 'to work out'. If it refers to a physical object, it is about a folding or closing movement.
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, es klappt mit unserer Verabredung.
I hope it works out with our date.
Compare with
klappen vs gehen
to go
'gehen' and 'klappen' can both mean that something works or is possible. 'gehen' is very general: a device works, a plan works, or a suggestion is acceptable. 'klappen' is used especially when a plan or undertaking works out successfully. It sounds somewhat more colloquial and often more personal. Learners may confuse the words because in many everyday sentences you can say both, for example with appointments or plans. 'Geht das?' asks more about possibility; 'Klappt das?' asks more whether it will really work or succeed.
klappen
Der Termin mit Frau Becker klappt am Freitag leider nicht.
Unfortunately, the appointment with Ms. Becker won't work out on Friday.
gehen
Der Drucker geht wieder, nachdem Tom das Kabel geprüft hat.
The printer works again after Tom checked the cable.
In real life
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