01
mitkriegen
to notice
Colloquial for noticing, perceiving, or understanding what is happening around you.
example
Hast du mitgekriegt, dass die Nachbarn umgezogen sind?
Did you notice that the neighbors moved away?
mitkriegen
to notice / to get
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Mitkriegen' (to notice / to get) is a separable verb. The prefix 'mit-' comes at the end in a main clause; in subordinate clauses it stays attached to the verb, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle.
EXAMPLE
Ich kriege nicht alles mit, was hier passiert.
I don't notice everything that happens here.
Register: colloquial
This verb is clearly colloquial. It is very common in everyday conversation, but should be avoided in formal texts or emails.
EXAMPLE
Ich hab gar nicht mitgekriegt, dass du schon da bist.
I didn't even notice that you're already here.
Context clue
If it is about information, news, or events, 'mitkriegen' (to notice) means 'bemerken' (to notice). If it is about divisible things like food or money, it means 'einen Anteil bekommen' (to get a share).
EXAMPLE
Hast du die Neuigkeiten über den Chef mitgekriegt?
Did you hear the news about the boss?
Sentence structure with subordinate clause
In the meaning 'bemerken' (to notice), 'mitkriegen' (to notice) is very often used with a subordinate clause that begins with 'dass' (that) or a question word (was, wer, wie: what, who, how).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sofort mitgekriegt, dass etwas nicht stimmt.
She noticed right away that something was wrong.
Compare with
mitkriegen vs bekommen
to get / receive
'bekommen' and 'mitkriegen' can both mean that someone receives something. 'bekommen' is neutral and suitable in everyday life, school, work, and official situations. 'mitkriegen' is colloquial and often means that you get a share of something, for example food, money, or information. The important point is that 'mitkriegen' very often also means 'to notice' or 'to understand'. That is why the words can be confused. If it is only about receiving something, 'bekommen' is usually clearer. If it is about noticing or perceiving something, only 'mitkriegen' fits.
mitkriegen
Am Telefon kriegt er kaum mit, was sein Freund sagt.
On the phone, he can barely make out what his friend is saying.
bekommen
In der E-Mail bekommt die Ärztin alle Informationen zur Reise.
In the email, the doctor receives all the information about the trip.
In real life
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