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noun

das Anfassen, -

touch

Mit der Hand etwas berühren oder halten.

Definition & meaning

The German verb anfassen primarily means to touch or feel something with one's hands. It implies a physical contact, often intentional, where the hand or fingers come into contact with an object or person.

Beyond simple touching, it has several specific nuances:

  1. Physical contact: To touch or lay hands on something. For example, checking the texture of a fabric.
  2. Grasping or Seizing: To take hold of something firmly, such as grabbing a handle or a tool to move it.
  3. Helping or Tackling: In a more figurative sense, it is used when someone helps with a task or "gets to work." The phrase "mit anfassen" means to lend a hand or assist in physical labor.
  4. Treatment or Handling: It describes how one treats another person or deals with a situation. For instance, "jemanden vorsichtig anfassen" means to treat someone with great care or "kid gloves."

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). In a main clause, the prefix "an-" moves to the end of the sentence (e.g., "Ich fasse das Buch an").

The word is composed of two parts:

  • an-: A prefix indicating direction toward something or contact with a surface.
  • fassen: A base verb meaning to grasp, seize, or hold.

The past participle is angefasst, and the simple past is fasste an. When used as a noun (das Anfassen), it refers to the act of touching or the haptic sensation.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • Berühren: To touch lightly or come into contact with, often used for a more delicate or accidental touch.
  • Anrühren: To touch something, often used in the negative to say "don't touch my things."
  • Anpacken: To tackle a task vigorously or to grab something with strength.
  • Greifen: To reach out and seize or grasp something.
  • Handhaben: To handle or operate a tool or a situation.

Antonyms

  • Loslassen: To let go or release one's grip on something.
  • Meiden: To avoid something, ensuring no contact is made.
  • Ignorieren: To ignore, which can be the figurative opposite of "handling" a situation.
  • Wegbleiben: To stay away from something.

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Examples

Das Anfassen der Tiere ist verboten.noun

Touching the animals is forbidden.

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