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verstehen
/fɛɐ̯ˈʃteːən/
What does "verstehen" mean?
understandIch verstehe die Aufgabe nicht.
I don't understand the task.
How to use "verstehen" correctly?
neutral
To comprehend or grasp the meaning of something.
Er versteht Deutsch und Englisch.
He understands German and English.
Kannst du mich verstehen?
Can you understand me?
Used for both literal and abstract understanding (e.g., language, concepts).
neutral
To perceive or realize something.
Ich verstehe, dass du müde bist.
I realize that you're tired.
Often used with 'dass' clauses.
informal
To get along with someone.
Wir verstehen uns gut.
We get along well.
Reflexive verb (sich verstehen) used in social contexts.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Reflexive vs. Non-reflexive
Use 'verstehen' for comprehension (e.g., 'Ich verstehe die Frage.') and 'sich verstehen' for social compatibility (e.g., 'Wir verstehen uns gut.').
Gold Rule
Conjugation
Regular verb in present tense: ich verstehe, du verstehst, er/sie/es versteht, wir verstehen, ihr versteht, sie/Sie verstehen.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *verstēn*, from Old High German *firstēn*, from Proto-Germanic *\*fra- + *\*stōjaną* (to stand). Cognate with English 'stand' (via Old English *standan*).
Usage Notes
Used in both spoken and written German. The reflexive form 'sich verstehen' is common in social contexts. In formal writing, 'nachvollziehen' may be preferred for deeper comprehension.
Word Breakdown
ver-
prefix indicating completion or intensification
prefix-stehen
to stand
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch