mitreißen
to captivate
To move someone emotionally, inspire them, and motivate them to join in.
EXAMPLE
Die Energie des Sängers hat das ganze Publikum mitgerissen.
The singer's energy captivated the whole audience.
mitreißen
to captivate / sweep away
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Meanings
mitreißen
to sweep away
To catch someone or something with a strong physical force and pull them along.
EXAMPLE
Die Flutwelle war so stark, dass sie Autos und sogar kleine Häuser mitgerissen hat.
The tidal wave was so strong that it swept away cars and even small houses.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Mitreißen' (to captivate/sweep away) is a separable verb with the prefix 'mit-'. In a main clause, the prefix comes at the end. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Die Musik reißt einfach jeden mit.
The music simply captivates everyone.
Context clue
The meaning depends on the subject and object. If a person is moved by something abstract, such as Musik (music), Rede (speech), or Begeisterung (enthusiasm), the emotional meaning is intended. If a person or object is moved by a physical force, such as Fluss (river) or Sturm (storm), the literal meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Seine Begeisterung riss das ganze Team mit.
His enthusiasm swept up the whole team.
Word family
The very common adjective 'mitreißend' (captivating/gripping) is derived from this verb. It describes something that inspires and moves people emotionally, such as ein mitreißendes Konzert (a captivating concert) or ein mitreißender Film (a gripping film).
EXAMPLE
Das war ein wirklich mitreißendes Fußballspiel.
That was a truly thrilling football match.
Typical collocations
In the physical meaning, 'mitreißen' (to sweep away) is often used with strong forces of nature. Typical phrases are: 'von der Strömung mitgerissen werden' (to be swept away by the current) or 'vom Sturm mitgerissen werden' (to be swept away by the storm).
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Boot wurde von der starken Strömung mitgerissen.
The small boat was swept away by the strong current.
Compare with
mitreißen vs begeistern
to inspire / enthuse
Begeistern and mitreißen both describe a strong positive effect on an audience. Mitreißen additionally emphasizes that people are emotionally energized and happy to join in, while begeistern also works for simple enjoyment or admiration. Choose mitreißen when the reaction leads to people acting together.
mitreißen
Die Aufführung riss das Publikum mit, sodass alle im Rhythmus mitsangen.
The performance swept the audience along, so everyone sang along to the rhythm.
begeistern
Die Aufführung begeisterte das Publikum, das am Ende lange applaudierte.
The performance delighted the audience, who applauded for a long time at the end.
In real life
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