umfassen
to include
To contain, include, or consist of something. Describes the content or scope of something.
EXAMPLE
Die Prüfung umfasst die Themen der letzten drei Monate.
The exam includes the topics from the last three months.
umfassen
to include / to embrace
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Meanings
umfassen
to embrace / grasp
To enclose someone or something with the arms or hands; to hug or grasp.
EXAMPLE
Er umfasste sanft ihre Hand, um sie zu trösten.
He gently grasped her hand to comfort her.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Umfassen' (to include / to embrace) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'um-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'fassen' in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Der Bericht umfasste mehr als hundert Seiten.
The report included more than a hundred pages.
Word structure
The word is made up of 'um' (around) and 'fassen' (to grasp). This literal meaning helps you understand both main meanings: you can mentally 'grasp around' a topic (include it) or 'grasp around' a person with your arms (embrace them).
EXAMPLE
Sein Werk umfasst Gedichte, Romane und Theaterstücke.
His work includes poems, novels, and plays.
Context clue
The two meanings can easily be recognized from the object. If the object refers to something abstract (e.g., topics, tasks, an area), 'umfassen' means 'to include'. If it refers to something concrete that you can touch (e.g., a person, a hand), it means 'to embrace' or 'to grasp'.
EXAMPLE
Das Projekt umfasst mehrere Arbeitsschritte.
The project includes several work steps.
Register and style
In the meaning 'to include', 'umfassen' belongs more to written language or a formal style. It is often used in reports, academic texts, and official descriptions.
EXAMPLE
Das Studium umfasst sowohl theoretische als auch praktische Teile.
The course of study includes both theoretical and practical parts.
Compare with
umfassen vs bestehen
to pass / consist / exist
Bestehen aus and umfassen can name the same components of a whole. After bestehen, aus is used with the dative; umfassen is connected directly to an accusative object. In terms of meaning, the two formulations are largely equivalent here.
umfassen
Das Seminar umfasst drei Module.
The seminar comprises three modules.
bestehen
Das Seminar besteht aus drei Modulen.
The seminar consists of three modules.
In real life
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