begreifen
understand · grasp · comprehend
Etwas mit dem Verstand verstehen oder erfassen.
The German word "begreifen" is a verb that means "to grasp", "to understand", or "to comprehend". It comprises the prefix "be-" (which often adds an intensive or directional aspect to verbs) and the verb "greifen" which means "to seize" or "to grab". "Begreifen" often refers to the mental process of understanding or making sense of something.
Similar words in German include "verstehen" (to understand), "erkennen" (to recognize), and "einfassen" (to frame). "Verstehen" is probably most similar in meaning to "begreifen", but whereas "verstehen" is more generic and can be used for understanding languages, texts or people, "begreifen" has a connotation of internalizing and truly comprehending the essence or concept of something.
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Examples
Ich begreife nicht, was du meinst.verb
I don't understand what you mean.
Du wirst das Konzept schnell begreifen.verb
You will quickly grasp the concept.
Er versucht zu begreifen, wie die Maschine funktioniert.verb
He is trying to understand how the machine works.
Er begreift langsam den komplexen Sachverhalt.verb
He slowly comprehends the complex issue.
Er kann es nicht begreifen.verb
He cannot understand it.
Er kann es kaum begreifen.verb
He can hardly comprehend it.
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