01
verpassen
to miss
Not to be in a place in time to catch a means of transport, attend an event, or take an opportunity.
example
Wenn wir jetzt nicht losgehen, verpassen wir den Zug.
If we don't leave now, we'll miss the train.
verpassen
to miss / to give
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verpassen' (to miss / to give) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' always remains attached to the verb and often indicates that something is not reached, missed, or done incorrectly.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die letzte Folge meiner Lieblingsserie verpasst.
I missed the last episode of my favorite series.
Context clue
The meaning of 'verpassen' depends heavily on the object. If it is a means of transport or an event, it means 'not to reach/catch'. In combination with a person in the dative and a thing in the accusative, it often has a colloquial meaning.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat den Bus nur um eine Minute verpasst.
She missed the bus by only one minute.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'verpassen' (to miss) is often combined with means of transport, appointments, or opportunities. Typical phrases are 'den Bus/Zug/Flug verpassen' (to miss the bus/train/flight), 'eine Chance verpassen' (to miss an opportunity), or 'den Anschluss verpassen' (to miss the connection).
EXAMPLE
So eine gute Gelegenheit solltest du nicht verpassen!
You shouldn't miss such a good opportunity!
Dative construction
In the colloquial meaning 'jemandem etwas zufügen' (to inflict something on someone), the verb needs a person in the dative and a thing in the accusative. The structure is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) verpassen.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seinem Gegner einen Denkzettel verpasst.
He taught his opponent a lesson.
Colloquial use
The meaning 'ein neues Aussehen geben' (to give a new appearance) is colloquial. It is often used to describe a change or improvement. A typical expression is 'etwas/jemandem einen neuen Anstrich verpassen' (to give something/someone a new coat of paint or a fresh look).
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten dem Wohnzimmer mal einen neuen Anstrich verpassen.
We should give the living room a fresh coat of paint sometime.
Compare with
verpassen vs geben
to give
'geben' and 'verpassen' can overlap when someone gives or inflicts something on a person, or when something is given a new quality. 'geben' is the neutral word: you can give someone advice, a task, or an object. 'verpassen' sounds more colloquial and often stronger. It fits especially with something negative, for example a blow, or when you change something, such as giving a room a new coat of paint. Learners may confuse the words because 'verpassen' works like 'geben' in some sentences. A simple rule is: use 'geben' for normal handing over or neutral help, and use 'verpassen' more for a noticeable or often unpleasant effect.
verpassen
Der Maler verpasst der alten Küche einen hellen neuen Anstrich.
The painter gives the old kitchen a bright new coat of paint.
geben
Die Ärztin gibt dem Patienten nach der Untersuchung einen wichtigen Rat.
After the examination, the doctor gives the patient an important piece of advice.
In real life
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