kidnappen

/ˈkɪtnɛpn̩/

verb B2

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: kidnappt
past: kidnappte
perfect: hat gekidnappt

Meaning

to kidnap
- Man kidnappte das Kind.
  
  The child was kidnapped.
- Die Bande wollte den Sohn des Millionärs kidnappen. Die Polizei verhinderte es.
  
  The gang wanted to kidnap the millionaire's son. The police prevented it.

Similar words

entführen

kidnappen is an English loanword used informally, often for kidnapping someone for ransom; entführen is the standard German verb for "to kidnap" or "to hijack."

Similar in other languages

Spanish

raptar

raptar is the Spanish word for the same thing — both mean "to kidnap."

Spanish

secuestrar

secuestrar is the Spanish word for the same thing — both mean "to kidnap."

Portuguese

sequestrar

sequestrar is the Portuguese word for the same thing — both mean "to kidnap."

Practice

1 What does kidnappen mean?

2 Fill the gap: Man ___ das Kind.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches kidnappen?

verb

Last updated 2026-09-24