zugreifen
to help oneself
To take something, especially offered food or drink.
EXAMPLE
Das Buffet ist eröffnet, bitte greifen Sie zu!
The buffet is open; please help yourselves!
zugreifen
to help oneself / access / arrest
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Meanings
zugreifen
to snap it up
To quickly seize a good opportunity in order to buy or get something.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem Sonderangebot sollten Sie schnell zugreifen, bevor alles ausverkauft ist.
You should snap up this special offer quickly before everything is sold out.
zugreifen auf
to access
In information technology, to gain access to data, files, or a system.
EXAMPLE
Wegen einer Störung konnte ich nicht auf meine E-Mails zugreifen.
Because of a malfunction, I couldn't access my emails.
zugreifen
to move in
As the police or a security force, to arrest or seize a person.
EXAMPLE
Nach wochenlanger Observation hat das Sonderkommando endlich zugegriffen.
After weeks of surveillance, the special unit finally moved in.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zugreifen' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zu' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Beim Buffet griff jeder kräftig zu.
At the buffet, everyone helped themselves generously.
Structure of the verb
The verb consists of the prefix 'zu-' and the verb 'greifen' (to grab/reach). The prefix suggests a targeted action: you access something specific or seize an opportunity.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem Preis musst du einfach zugreifen!
At this price, you simply have to snap it up!
Polite invitation
In the meaning of 'to take food', 'zugreifen' (to help oneself) is often used as a polite invitation in the imperative. 'Greifen Sie zu!' (Please help yourself!) is a typical invitation at a buffet.
EXAMPLE
Bitte greifen Sie zu, es ist genug für alle da!
Please help yourselves; there's enough for everyone!
Context: offers
In the meaning of 'to take advantage of an opportunity', 'zugreifen' is often used in the context of shopping, special offers, or good opportunities. It implies that you should act quickly.
EXAMPLE
Die Konsole ist gerade 20% billiger, da solltest du schnell zugreifen.
The console is 20% cheaper right now, so you should snap it up quickly.
Fixed preposition 'auf'
In the IT meaning, 'zugreifen' (to access) is always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. The structure is: auf [something] zugreifen.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann von hier nicht auf den Server zugreifen.
I can't access the server from here.
Context clue: police
When 'zugreifen' is used in the sense of 'to arrest' or 'to move in', the subject is usually an authority such as 'die Polizei' (the police) or 'die Ermittler' (the investigators). In this context, the verb often appears without an object.
EXAMPLE
Nach langer Beobachtung hat die Polizei endlich zugegriffen.
After a long period of observation, the police finally moved in.
Compare with
zugreifen vs nehmen
to take
Nehmen describes the neutral selection of offered food. Zugreifen presents this action as accepting an offer or invitation and often sounds like a friendly prompt. Use nehmen for a neutral selection and zugreifen in response to an offer.
zugreifen
Als die Gastgeberin den Kuchen anbietet, greife ich gern zu.
When the host offers the cake, I’m happy to help myself.
nehmen
Von dem Kuchen auf dem Tisch nehme ich ein kleines Stück.
I’ll take a small piece of the cake on the table.
In real life
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