ich verstehe
The English phrase "I understand" is translated into German as ich verstehe.
ich verstehe is used to show that you comprehend the meaning of something or that you agree with a point. You can use ich verstehe as a standalone sentence to signal that you have processed information, similar to saying "I see" or "Got it" in English.
Which one should you use?
While ich verstehe refers to general comprehension, Ich begreife is a stronger way to express that you grasp or comprehend a complex concept or a deeper meaning. Additionally, Verstanden! is a past participle that can be used alone as an exclamation meaning "Understood!" or "Roger!", which is common in direct or task-oriented contexts.
Did you know?
- While ich verstehe is neutral, saying ich verstehe nur Bahnhof is a popular idiom that actually means 'I don't understand a word of what you are saying'.
- The verb begreifen used for deeper understanding comes from the root word greifen, which means 'to grab' or 'to seize' with the hand.
- In German slang, if you want to say 'I get it' in a very casual way, you might say check ich, using the English loanword 'check' with German grammar.
Examples in context
- Ich verstehe dich gut.I understand you well.This sentence shows how to use ich verstehe to say you understand someone well.Tatoeba #8048411 by manese, translation #8847649 by carlosalberto
- Ich verstehe Ihren Ärger.I understand your anger.This sentence demonstrates using ich verstehe to express understanding of an emotion.Tatoeba #3846136 by Tamy, translation #3826753 by CK
- Alles klar, ich verstehe.Right, I understand.This sentence illustrates using ich verstehe as a standalone response to show comprehension.Tatoeba #13175950 by Vortarulo, translation #8986431 by shekitten
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are discussing a complex task at work.
- FelixKannst du diesen komplizierten Plan erklären?Can you explain this complicated plan?
- SarahJa, ich erkläre es dir kurz.Yes, I will explain it to you briefly.
- FelixAh, ich verstehe jetzt alles.Ah, I understand everything now.
- SarahGut, dann können wir anfangen.Good, then we can start.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
