berühren

The German word "berühren" is a verb meaning "to touch".

• It is made of the root "rühren" which means "to stir" or "to move".
• The prefix "be-" is a common German verbal prefix that often adds a sense of affecting or interacting with the object.

Similar words:

• anfassen – to touch physically (often with the hand)
• streifen – to brush against
• antippen – to tap lightly

Differences:

• berühren is more general and can mean to touch physically or emotionally (e.g., "Das Lied berührt mich" – "The song touches me").
• anfassen specifically implies grasping or handling.
• streifen suggests a light, accidental or passing touch.
• antippen is usually a light, deliberate tap often with a finger.

In brief, "berühren" covers a broad range of touches, both literal and figurative.