verstehen
/fərˈʃteːən/
To understand in German is verstehen. Wiktionary also lists begreifen.
Meaning: to grasp the meaning of (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| verstehen | /fərˈʃteːən/ /fɛr-/ |
| begreifen | /bəˈɡʁaɪ̯fən/ |
The general verb for understanding language or a situation is verstehen. If you are referring to 'understanding' as a noun, such as 'mutual understanding', German uses the noun Verständnis instead of a form of the verb. For professional or technical settings, you may use Erfassen to mean 'to comprehend' or 'to grasp'.
Which one should you use?
While verstehen is the general word for understanding a situation or language, begreifen implies a deeper, more profound conceptual grasp or 'getting' the essence of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The simple past (Präteritum) form of verstehen is verstand. The past participle is verstanden, which is used to form the perfect tense, such as in 'Ich habe es verstanden'.
How do you pronounce it?
/fərˈʃteːən/
Did you know?
- When someone says Verstanden! in a military or radio context, it functions as a formal 'Roger' or 'Copy that' rather than a simple statement of comprehension.
- The noun Verständnis is used for both the cognitive 'comprehension' of a fact and the emotional 'empathy' felt toward a person.
- The word begreifen is a distant relative of the English word 'grip'. Both come from the same Proto-West Germanic root meaning to seize.
Examples in context
- Er wird es verstehen.He'll understand.This sentence is useful for expressing a future understanding using verstehen.Tatoeba #2192609 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2192523 by Hybrid
- Ich kann es verstehen.I can understand it.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to understand using verstehen.Tatoeba #8082765 by Luiaard, translation #2301401 by CK
- Sie will das verstehen.She wants to understand that.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to understand using verstehen.Tatoeba #924811 by Esperantostern, translation #12827734 by Yepthatscool
- Ich verstehe, was Sie sagen.I understand what you're saying.
- Ich kann den Sachverhalt gut begreifen.I can understand the situation well.
- Ich habe kapiert, worum es geht.I got what it's all about.
- Kommen wir hierher? Verstehst du?Are we coming here? Do you understand?
- 866 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah is explaining a difficult concept to Felix.
- HannahVerstehst du, was ich meine?Do you understand what I mean?
- FelixNein, ich kann dich nicht verstehen.No, I cannot understand you.
- HannahIch versuche es nochmal zu erklären.I will try to explain it again.
- FelixJetzt verstehe ich es endlich!Now I finally understand it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “understand” translations and entries verstehen, begreifen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries begreifen, verstehen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
