01
mitbekommen
to notice
To notice, perceive, or find out about something, often incidentally or by chance.
example
Hast du mitbekommen, dass unsere Nachbarn ein neues Auto haben?
Did you notice that our neighbors have a new car?
mitbekommen
to notice / understand / get
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Mitbekommen' (to notice / understand / get) is a separable verb. The prefix 'mit-' goes to the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich bekomme von dem Lärm draußen kaum etwas mit.
I can barely hear anything of the noise outside.
Word structure
The verb is made up of 'mit' (with/along) and 'bekommen' (to get). The prefix 'mit-' suggests that you receive something additionally or incidentally—whether it is information, understanding, or an object.
EXAMPLE
Er hat nur am Rande mitbekommen, worüber sie gesprochen haben.
He only vaguely picked up what they were talking about.
Context clue
When 'mitbekommen' (to get) has a concrete, physical object as its accusative object, it almost always means 'to receive something to take along'. The other meanings refer to abstract things like information or understanding.
EXAMPLE
Für die lange Fahrt haben wir von unseren Gastgebern Sandwiches mitbekommen.
For the long trip, our hosts gave us sandwiches to take along.
Compare with
mitbekommen vs bekommen
to get / receive
'bekommen' and 'mitbekommen' can both have to do with someone receiving something. 'bekommen' is general: you get a letter, a gift, or an answer. 'mitbekommen' can mean that you receive something to take with you, for example food for the road. Very often, however, 'mitbekommen' also means that you notice, find out about, or understand something. This is why learners may confuse the words: 'Ich habe den Brief bekommen' means that the letter arrived and I received it. 'Ich habe das Gespräch mitbekommen' means that I heard or noticed the conversation.
mitbekommen
Im Flur habe ich mitbekommen, dass der Termin verschoben wurde.
In the hallway, I found out that the appointment had been postponed.
bekommen
Ich bekomme nächste Woche die Unterlagen für den Kurs.
I will get the documents for the course next week.
In real life
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