ergreifen/ɛɐ̯ˈɡʁaɪ̯fn̩/to seize; to grasp; to take (up)
ergreifen is a German verb that means to seize, to grasp, or to take (up). It is pronounced /ɛɐ̯ˈɡʁaɪ̯fn̩/. In conjugation, the simple past is "ergriff" and the past participle is "ergriffen".
Definitions
1.to take hold of or seize something or someone(physically)
a.to grasp with the hand (literally)
Sie ergriff seine Hand und hielt sie fest.—She seized his hand and held it tightly.
2.to take up or pursue something (e.g. opportunity, initiative)(figuratively)
a.to take the initiative or opportunity
Er hat die Chance ergriffen, im Ausland zu arbeiten.—He seized the opportunity to work abroad.
3.to be deeply moved or affected by something(emotionally)
a.to be touched emotionally
Das Schicksal des Kindes hat sie tief ergriffen.—The fate of the child deeply moved her.
Conjugation
| Infinitive | ergreifen |
|---|---|
| Present (ich) | ergreife |
| Present (du) | ergreifst |
| Present (er/sie/es) | ergreift |
| Preterite (ich) | ergriff |
| Participle II | ergriffen |
| Konjunktiv II (ich) | ergriffe |
| Imperative (singular) | ergreife |
| Imperative (plural) | ergreift |
| Auxiliary | haben |
Frequently asked questions
- What does "ergreifen" mean in English?
- "ergreifen" means to seize, to grasp, or to take (up). It is a German verb.
- How do you pronounce "ergreifen"?
- "ergreifen" is pronounced /ɛɐ̯ˈɡʁaɪ̯fn̩/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
- What is the past participle of "ergreifen"?
- The past participle (Partizip II) of "ergreifen" is "ergriffen", used with the auxiliary "haben".
- What is the simple past of "ergreifen"?
- In the simple past (Präteritum), "ergreifen" becomes "ergriff" in the first person singular.
- What part of speech is "ergreifen"?
- "ergreifen" is a verb in German.
