packen
to pack
To put objects into a suitcase, bag, or box in order to transport them or go on a trip.
EXAMPLE
Bevor wir in den Urlaub fahren, muss ich noch meinen Koffer packen.
Before we go on vacation, I still have to pack my suitcase.
packen
to pack / grab / manage
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Meanings
packen
to grab
To take hold of someone or something firmly and hold on to them or it.
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist packte den Dieb am Arm und führte ihn ab.
The police officer grabbed the thief by the arm and led him away.
packen
to manage
Informal for succeeding at something, handling it, or bringing it to a successful end.
EXAMPLE
Die Prüfung war schwer, aber ich glaube, ich habe es gepackt.
The exam was hard, but I think I managed it.
packen
to grip
To strongly move, captivate, or sweep someone along emotionally.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte des Films hat mich von der ersten Minute an gepackt.
The story of the film gripped me from the very first minute.
seine Sachen packen
to pack one's things
To gather one's personal belongings in order to leave a place; to go away.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem lauten Streit hat er sofort seine Sachen gepackt und die Wohnung verlassen.
After the loud argument, he immediately packed his things and left the apartment.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'packen' (to pack / grab / manage) depends heavily on the object. If it refers to an item like 'Koffer' (suitcase) or 'Tasche' (bag), it means 'to put inside'. If it refers to a person, it usually means 'to grab'.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch schnell meine Tasche für die Uni packen.
I still have to quickly pack my bag for university.
Sentence structure when grabbing
When 'packen' (to grab) is used in the sense of 'ergreifen' (to seize/grab), the body part someone is grabbed by often appears with the preposition 'an' and the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter packte ihren Sohn an der Hand.
The mother grabbed her son by the hand.
Informal expression
The expression 'es packen' colloquially means 'to manage something' or 'to succeed'. The word 'es' is a fixed part of the idiom here.
EXAMPLE
Ich lerne viel für die Prüfung und hoffe, dass ich es packe.
I'm studying a lot for the exam and hope that I'll manage it.
Emotional effect
In this meaning, the subject of the sentence is often something abstract like a film, a book, or a story. The person who is emotionally moved is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Lied packt mich jedes Mal wieder.
This song grips me every single time.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'seine Sachen packen' means to leave a place, often spontaneously or after a conflict. It is used as a synonym for 'weggehen' (to go away) or 'ausziehen' (to move out).
EXAMPLE
Wenn du dich nicht an die Regeln hältst, kannst du deine Sachen packen.
If you don't follow the rules, you can pack your things.
Compare with
packen vs schaffen
to manage / create
Both words can mean that someone successfully manages a task. Schaffen is the neutral and more general form. Packen is colloquial in this meaning and often sounds like casual encouragement or a statement that someone has enough strength to do something. In formal texts, schaffen is usually more appropriate.
packen
Mit guter Vorbereitung packst du die schwierige Prüfung bestimmt.
With good preparation, you’re sure to manage the difficult exam.
schaffen
Mit guter Vorbereitung schaffte sie die schwierige Prüfung.
With good preparation, she managed the difficult exam.
In real life
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