verb

empfangen

receive · welcome

Etwas bekommen oder jemanden begrüßen, wenn er ankommt.

Definition & meaning

empfangen is a strong German verb meaning to receive. Its exact meaning depends on context:

To receive or get something, such as a message, a signal, or a transmission.
To welcome or receive someone, especially guests or visitors.
To conceive a child; this use is more formal or literary.

Grammar & Word origin

empfangen is an inseparable strong verb. Its principal forms are empfängt , empfing , and hat empfangen . The prefix emp- is historically related to ent- ; the verb is related to fangen (“to catch”). In modern German, it is generally learned as a whole verb rather than interpreted literally as “catch.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary by meaning:

erhalten (“to receive”) is a broad, common alternative, especially for receiving something.
bekommen (“to get”) is more conversational and usually does not suggest a formal reception or a signal being picked up.
begrüßen (“to greet”) focuses on greeting someone, while empfangen can imply hosting or formally receiving them.
willkommen heißen (“to welcome”) emphasizes expressing welcome rather than simply receiving a visitor.

There is no single antonym for all senses. Depending on context:

senden (“to send” or “transmit”) is the opposite when talking about messages or signals.
abweisen (“to turn away” or “refuse”) can oppose welcoming or receiving a person.