verb

mitbekommen

overhear · notice

Etwas hören, sehen oder merken, oft eher nebenbei.

The German word "mitbekommen" is a verb that means "to get", "to catch", or "to become aware of". It is a compound word made of "mit" (with) and "bekommen" (to get or receive). "Mitbekommen" is often used to describe becoming aware of something by chance or through observation without directly being involved.

Similar words in German:

  • "hören" (to hear)
  • "bemerken" (to notice)
  • "wahrnehmen" (to perceive)
  • "mitkriegen" (to catch, more colloquial)

Differences:

  • "Hören" generally means "to hear" and doesn't necessarily imply understanding or awareness.
  • "Bemerken" and "wahrnehmen" both refer to noticing or perceiving something but can suggest a more deliberate or conscious act.
  • "Mitkriegen" is a colloquial synonym for "mitbekommen" and is used similarly but in more informal contexts.

In summary, "mitbekommen" emphasizes the incidental awareness of something happening around you.

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Examples

Hast du das Gespräch mitbekommen?verb

Did you overhear the conversation?

Er hat leider nichts davon mitbekommen.verb

Unfortunately, he didn't notice anything about it.

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