VERB
greifen/ˈɡʁaɪ̯fn̩/to grab; to seize; to reach for
greifen is a German verb that means to grab, to seize, or to reach for. It is pronounced /ˈɡʁaɪ̯fn̩/. In conjugation, the simple past is "griff" and the past participle is "gegriffen".
Definitions
1.to take hold of or seize something with hand(s)(general, physical action)
a.to physically grasp
Das Kind greift nach dem Ball.—The child reaches for the ball.
2.to intervene or take action(figurative, act)
a.to actively intervene
Die Polizei greift ein, um die Situation zu beruhigen.—The police intervene to calm the situation.
3.to extend, spread, or take effect(spread, effect)
a.to spread
Die neue Regelung greift ab nächster Woche.—The new regulation takes effect starting next week.
Conjugation
| Infinitive | greifen |
|---|---|
| Present (ich) | greife |
| Present (du) | greifst |
| Present (er/sie/es) | greift |
| Preterite (ich) | griff |
| Participle II | gegriffen |
| Konjunktiv II (ich) | griffe |
| Imperative (singular) | greife |
| Imperative (plural) | greift |
| Auxiliary | haben |
Frequently asked questions
- What does "greifen" mean in English?
- "greifen" means to grab, to seize, 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.
