VERB

greifen/ˈɡʁaɪ̯fn̩/to grab; to grasp; to reach for

greifen is a German verb that means to grab, to grasp, or to reach for. It is pronounced /ˈɡʁaɪ̯fn̩/. In conjugation, the simple past is "griff" and the past participle is "gegriffen".

Definitions

1.to seize or take hold of something(physical action)

a.to grab, take with the hand

Das Kind greift nach dem Ball.The child reaches for the ball.

2.to be effective or have an effect (of measures, changes, etc.)(figurative)

a.to take effect, work

Die neuen Regeln greifen schon nach einem Monat.The new rules are already taking effect after one month.

Conjugation

Infinitivegreifen
Present (ich)greife
Present (du)greifst
Present (er/sie/es)greift
Preterite (ich)griff
Participle IIgegriffen
Konjunktiv II (ich)griffe
Imperative (singular)greife
Imperative (plural)greift
Auxiliaryhaben

Frequently asked questions

What does "greifen" mean in English?
"greifen" means to grab, to grasp, or to reach for. It is a German verb.
How do you pronounce "greifen"?
"greifen" is pronounced /ˈɡʁaɪ̯fn̩/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
What is the past participle of "greifen"?
The past participle (Partizip II) of "greifen" is "gegriffen", used with the auxiliary "haben".
What is the simple past of "greifen"?
In the simple past (Präteritum), "greifen" becomes "griff" in the first person singular.
What part of speech is "greifen"?
"greifen" is a verb in German.

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