verb

verfassen

write · compose

Etwas schriftlich niederlegen oder aufschreiben, zum Beispiel einen Brief oder einen Text erstellen.

Definition & meaning

Verfassen means to write, compose, or formulate something, usually a complete or carefully prepared text. It is commonly used for formal or substantial writing, such as an essay, report, letter, or speech.

It can also mean to draw up or to draft a document.

Grammar & Word origin

Verfassen is a regular, inseparable-prefix verb. Its forms are verfasst, verfasste, hat verfasst.

It combines ver- with fassen (“to grasp” or “to take hold”). The sense developed from gathering or shaping thoughts into a finished text.

Synonyms & antonyms

schreiben — “to write”; broader and more general than verfassen, which often suggests composing a complete or formal text.
formulieren — “to formulate”; emphasizes choosing and arranging the wording, rather than necessarily writing a whole text.
abfassen — “to draft” or “to write up”; close in meaning, often used for formal documents.

There is no direct antonym. Depending on the context, löschen (“to delete”) can describe removing a written text, while schweigen (“to remain silent”) contrasts with expressing something in writing.