01
verstehen
to understand
To grasp the sense or meaning of something with the mind.
example
Ich verstehe die Anweisungen nicht, kannst du sie mir erklären?
I don't understand the instructions; can you explain them to me?
verstehen
to understand
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verstehen' (to understand) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'stehen' in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Er verstand die Frage nicht sofort.
He did not understand the question right away.
Fixed expression
The expression 'nur Bahnhof verstehen' (to understand only train station) means that you understand absolutely nothing or that the topic is completely unfamiliar to you. It is often used with complex or confusing explanations.
EXAMPLE
Der Physiker hat eine Stunde über Quantenmechanik gesprochen, aber ich habe nur Bahnhof verstanden.
The physicist talked about quantum mechanics for an hour, but I didn't understand a thing.
Context clue
This meaning is often used in negative sentences to describe acoustic problems. A reason is frequently given, for example with 'wegen' (because of) or 'weil' (because).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du lauter sprechen? Ich verstehe dich wegen der Musik kaum.
Can you speak louder? I can hardly hear you because of the music.
Sentence structure with 'mit'
This meaning requires a reflexive construction with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative. It describes the relationship between two or more people.
EXAMPLE
Ich verstehe mich sehr gut mit meinen Kollegen.
I get along very well with my colleagues.
Sentence structure with 'von'
To express that someone is an expert on a topic, you use the structure 'etwas/viel/nichts von + dative verstehen' (to know something/a lot/nothing about + dative). The topic is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Sie versteht viel von moderner Kunst.
She knows a lot about modern art.
Sentence structure with 'als'
This reflexive construction with 'als' (as) is used to define the identity or role of a person or organization. It describes how they see themselves.
EXAMPLE
Der Künstler verstand sich immer als Außenseiter.
The artist always saw himself as an outsider.
Compare with
verstehen vs wissen
to know
'wissen' and 'verstehen' can both show that you can deal with a piece of information. 'wissen' more often means: you have a specific piece of information or know a fact. 'verstehen' more often means: you grasp the sense, context, or meaning of something. So you can know something but still not really understand it. 'verstehen' also fits when you can hear and recognize spoken words. There is a risk of confusion especially with explanations: knowing the answer is 'wissen'; having the explanation clear in your mind is 'verstehen'.
verstehen
Beim Termin versteht der Arzt sofort, warum der Patient Schmerzen hat.
At the appointment, the doctor immediately understands why the patient is in pain.
wissen
Ich weiß die Adresse, aber ich finde den Weg dorthin nicht.
I know the address, but I can't find the way there.
In real life
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