verb

auffangen

catch

Etwas, das fällt oder geworfen wird, mit den Händen oder einem Gefäß halten, bevor es den Boden erreicht.

The German word "auffangen" is a separable verb composed of:

auf (up/on)
fangen (to catch)

Meaning:
"auffangen" means to catch or to intercept something falling or moving, often to prevent damage or loss. It can also mean to absorb or to compensate for something (e.g., a setback).

Similar words:

fangen (to catch)
abfangen (to intercept)
einfangen (to capture)

Differences:
While fangen is the general verb "to catch," auffangen specifically implies catching something that is dropping or delaying a fall, often with the sense of giving support. Abfangen generally refers to interception earlier in a process (like intercepting communication), and einfangen focuses on capturing (often animals or fugitives).