verb

knüpfen

make · form · tie

Etwas mit Fäden, Seilen oder Bändern verbinden oder zusammenmachen, oft um Knoten oder Verbindungen herzustellen.

Definition & meaning

Knüpfen is a German verb meaning to tie or knot something, and, figuratively, to establish or form a connection.

Literally, it describes making a knot or joining things by knotting them.
Figuratively, it is commonly used for forming relationships, contacts, or other connections.
In the pattern an etwas anknüpfen, it means to build on something or to connect with something previously said or done.

Grammar & Word origin

Knüpfen is a regular (weak) verb. Its principal forms are knüpfte (simple past) and hat geknüpft (present perfect).

It is usually transitive when referring to tying or forming something: the object being tied or formed is in the accusative. In the figurative construction an etwas anknüpfen, the preposition an takes the dative.

The word is historically related to Knopf (“button” or “knot”) and originally referred to tying or fastening things with knots.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary by sense:

binden means “to tie” or “bind” and is broader; it does not necessarily involve making a knot.
verknoten means “to knot together” and emphasizes the knot itself.
herstellen means “to establish” or “create”; with connections, it is a general alternative to figurative knüpfen.
aufbauen means “to build” or “develop”; it can describe gradually developing a relationship or network.

Possible antonyms depend on the meaning:

lösen means “to untie” or “undo,” the opposite of tying a knot.
trennen means “to separate,” the opposite of joining things or forming a connection.