verb

holen

fetch · get

Etwas oder jemanden von einem Ort nehmen und zu sich bringen.

Definition & meaning

The verb holen is a versatile German word that generally translates to "to get," "to fetch," or "to go and bring." It implies moving to a location, retrieving an object or person, and returning with them.

To fetch or retrieve: Going to a place to get something and bringing it back. (e.g., "Ich hole die Zeitung" - I am fetching the newspaper.)
To pick up: Collecting a person or an item from a specific spot. (e.g., "Ich hole dich vom Bahnhof ab" - I will pick you up from the station.)
To catch or contract: Often used in medical contexts regarding illnesses (e.g., "sich eine Erkältung holen" - to catch a cold).
To obtain or acquire: Sometimes used in abstract contexts, such as achieving a score or a victory (e.g., "den Sieg holen" - to take the victory).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

holen is a regular (weak) verb.
Principal parts: holen (infinitive), holte (simple past), hat geholt (past participle).
It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object in the accusative case.

Word origin:

The word originates from the Middle High German holen and Old High German holōn. It is linguistically related to the English word "hale" (as in "haul"). It shares deep Germanic roots associated with pulling or dragging something toward oneself.