ergreifen
/ɛɐ̯ˈɡʁaɪ̯fn̩/
der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)
Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.
Forms
- present
- ergreift
- past
- ergriff
- perfect
- hat ergriffen
Meaning
-
to seize, to grasp; to take (an opportunity or measure)
Built from er ((resultative prefix)) + greifen (to grasp, to reach for).
-
to move (emotionally)
Made of
- er (resultative prefix)
- greifen to grasp, to reach for
Similar words
Beschlagnahmen is specifically to confiscate or seize something officially (by authorities); ergreifen is the general word for seizing or grasping, physically or as an opportunity.
Practice
1 What does ergreifen mean?
to seize, to grasp; to take (an opportunity or measure)
2 Fill the gap: Die Polizei ___ den Flüchtigen am Bahnhof.
Full sentence: Die Polizei ergriff den Flüchtigen am Bahnhof. (The police seized the fugitive at the train station.)
3 Which fingerprint chart matches ergreifen?
ergreifen: neutral register, common frequency, general domain, neutral connotation.
See also
Last updated