fangen
catch · start
Etwas oder jemanden mit der Hand oder einem Gerät halten, bevor es weg ist oder weiterkommt.
The German word "fangen" is a verb that means "to catch" or "to capture." The word is derived from the Middle High German "vangen" which has similar meanings. "Fangen" can refer to physically catching something (like a ball) or more abstractly grasping an idea or feeling.
Similar words in German include "erfassen" (to grasp or capture), "einfangen" (to enclose or trap), and "aufnehmen" (to take in or receive).
The distinction lies in the context: "erfassen" tends to have a broader and often more conceptual meaning, while "fangen" is very much about the physical act of catching. "Einfangen" implies more of a trapping or enclosing action, and "aufnehmen" often refers to receiving information or taking things in, rather than a physical catch.
Make “fangen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Katze fängt die Maus.verb
The cat catches the mouse.
Kinder fangen den Ball im Park.verb
Children catch the ball in the park.
Gestern fingen die Jungen viele Fische.verb
Yesterday the boys caught many fish.
Wann fängst du hier an zu lernen?verb
When do you start to learn here?
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad