handgreiflich
physical
The German word "handgreiflich" is an adjective that means "hands-on" or "physical". It is formed from "Hand" (hand) and "greiflich" (graspable). This term often describes actions or decisions that involve direct physicality or are noticeable in a tangible way, often implying something that is forceful or confrontational.
Similar words in German include "körperlich" (physical), "tatsächlich" (actual), and "real" (real). The distinction lies in the connotation: "handgreiflich" often implies a more aggressive or forceful approach, particularly in interpersonal situations, while "körperlich" is more neutral and simply refers to the physical aspect without a specific connotation of aggression.
Make “handgreiflich” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Er wurde während der Diskussion plötzlich handgreiflich.adjective
He suddenly became physical during the discussion.
Bei Streit darf man niemals handgreiflich werden.adjective
You must never get physical during an argument.
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