How to Say “Get Him” in German

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schnapp ihn dir
The English phrase 'get him' can be translated into German in several ways depending on the context. The default form is schnapp ihn dir.
In German, the translation of 'get him' depends heavily on whether you are telling someone to physically capture a fleeing person, fetch someone or pick someone up.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase schnapp ihn dir literally translates to 'grab him for yourself'.

Which one should you use?

The various forms are used for different specific actions: schnapp ihn dir is used as a high-energy exclamation to catch someone escaping. Hol ihn ab is specifically used when you mean to pick him up or fetch him. The formal options Bringen Sie ihn her and Bitte holen Sie ihn are used when you want someone to bring a person to your location.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

schnapp ihn dir is an informal and colloquial expression typically used in urgent, high-energy situations like a chase. For informal direct commands, you can use Hol ihn. In formal situations, use Bringen Sie ihn her to politely ask someone to bring him to you or Bitte holen Sie ihn to use 'please' when asking someone to fetch him.

Did you know?

  • The verb schnappen is also used in German to describe the sound of a trap closing or a dog snapping its jaws. This gives the phrase schnapp ihn dir a visceral image of a predator capturing prey.
  • The word dir in the colloquial phrase is a descendant of the Proto-Germanic root *þiz, which is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'this'.
  • The phrase schnapp ihn dir uses a reflexive-like construction where the person is 'grabbed for oneself'. This implies a sense of urgency and personal victory that is not present in the more neutral Hol ihn.

Examples in context

  • Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie ihn bitte holen?
    Excuse me, could you please get him?
  • Würden Sie ihn bitte herbringen?
    Would you mind bringing him here?
  • Kannst du ihn abholen?
    Can you pick him up?
  • Hey, hol ihn mal für mich!
    Hey, get him for me!
  • Schnapp ihn dir!
    Get him!
  • Schnapp ihn dir, bevor er wegrennt!
    Get him before he runs away!
  • Schnapp ihn dir, er ist dort drüben!
    Get him, he is over there!

Example conversation

A thief is running through a park and Felix spots him.

  1. Felix

    Dort drüben! Schnapp ihn dir, Hannah!
    Over there! Get him, Hannah!
  2. Hannah

    Ich versuche es, aber er ist zu schnell!
    I'm trying, but he is too fast!
  3. Felix

    Lauf schneller, er biegt gleich um die Ecke!
    Run faster, he is about to turn the corner!
  4. Hannah

    Ich hab ihn fast!
    I almost have him!

Sources

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Sheila Martha
Sheila MarthaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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