verb

nachtragen

add

Definition & meaning

The verb nachtragen is a separable verb that is used in two primary contexts:

To carry something after or to something/someone later: This refers to the physical act of bringing or carrying an item to a place or person that was missed or forgotten earlier.
To enter data later: In an administrative or technical sense, it refers to adding information or entries to a list, record, or document after the original documentation period has closed (e.g., updating a logbook).
To hold a grudge: In a figurative sense, the phrase "etwas jemandem nachtragen" means to hold a grudge against someone for a past event, implying that you are still angry about it long after it occurred.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Type: Separable verb (trennbares Verb).
Conjugation: It follows the standard weak verb pattern. In the present tense, the prefix nach- separates and moves to the end of the sentence (e.g., "Ich trage die Daten später nach").
Past Participle: nachgetragen.

Origin: The word is composed of the prefix nach- (meaning "after" or "later") and the verb tragen (meaning "to carry" or "to wear"). The metaphorical meaning of "holding a grudge" comes from the idea of "carrying" the past event along with you as a burden rather than letting it go.