Dictionary
English - German
Understand
ˌəndərˈstænd
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
verstehen, begreifen, nachvollziehen, vernehmen
Understand meanings in German
verstehen
Example:
I understand the instructions clearly.
Ich verstehe die Anweisungen klar.
Do you understand German?
Verstehst du Deutsch?
Usage: formal/informalContext: General communication
Note: The most common translation of 'understand' in Deutsch.
begreifen
Example:
It took me a while to understand the concept.
Es hat eine Weile gedauert, bis ich das Konzept begriffen habe.
She can't seem to understand the importance of this meeting.
Sie scheint die Bedeutung dieses Treffens nicht zu begreifen.
Usage: formalContext: Understanding complex ideas or situations
Note: Often used to convey a deeper level of comprehension.
nachvollziehen
Example:
I can't really understand his behavior.
Ich kann sein Verhalten nicht wirklich nachvollziehen.
It's difficult to understand the reasons behind their decision.
Es ist schwer, die Gründe für ihre Entscheidung nachzuvollziehen.
Usage: formalContext: Trying to comprehend someone's actions or decisions
Note: Implies an effort to grasp the rationale behind something.
vernehmen
Example:
I can barely understand what he's saying.
Ich kann kaum verstehen, was er sagt.
The noise made it hard to understand the speaker.
Der Lärm machte es schwer, den Sprecher zu vernehmen.
Usage: formalContext: Auditory perception or comprehension
Note: Often used in contexts where hearing or discerning speech is involved.
Understand's synonyms
comprehend
To grasp the meaning or significance of something.
Example: She struggled to comprehend the complex instructions.
Note: Comprehend is often used for deeper understanding or grasping complex ideas.
grasp
To understand something completely or thoroughly.
Example: It took him a while to grasp the concept of quantum physics.
Note: Grasp can imply a more thorough or complete understanding.
get
To come to understand or realize something.
Example: I finally got what she was trying to say.
Note: Get is a more colloquial and informal way of expressing understanding.
perceive
To become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses.
Example: He perceived the underlying message in her words.
Note: Perceive often involves sensing or becoming aware of something rather than just understanding it intellectually.
Understand expressions, common phrases
Get the hang of
To become familiar or skilled in something; to understand or master something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally got the hang of using the new software.
Note: This phrase emphasizes gaining proficiency or skill in understanding something.
Wrap one's head around
To understand something that is complex or difficult to grasp.
Example: I can't wrap my head around the concept of time travel.
Note: This phrase highlights the challenge of comprehending a difficult or abstract concept.
Click with
To be easily understood or accepted by someone.
Example: The new teaching method really clicked with the students.
Note: This phrase suggests a positive reception or quick understanding of something.
Make sense of
To understand or interpret something logically; to find meaning in something.
Example: After reading the instructions a few times, I was able to make sense of them.
Note: This phrase focuses on interpreting information or situations in a coherent and logical way.
Grasp the concept
To understand the fundamental idea or meaning of something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally grasped the concept of quantum physics.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to understanding the core idea or principle behind a concept.
Catch on
To begin to understand or realize something after a period of confusion.
Example: She was a bit confused at first, but eventually, she caught on to the new rules.
Note: This phrase indicates a gradual understanding or realization after initial confusion or uncertainty.
See eye to eye
To agree with someone; to have the same opinion or understanding.
Example: We don't always see eye to eye on every issue, but we respect each other's opinions.
Note: This phrase refers to having a shared perspective or agreement on a particular matter.
Understand everyday (slang) expressions
Get it
To understand or comprehend something.
Example: I finally get it! Thanks for explaining it to me.
Note: Similar to 'understand', but more casual and conversational.
Pick up
To grasp or comprehend something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally picked up what he was saying.
Note: Implies gradually understanding something, similar to learning.
Cotton on to
To finally understand or become aware of something after it was not immediately clear.
Example: I've finally cottoned on to what she's been hinting at all this time.
Note: Suggests a sudden realization or understanding after a period of confusion or uncertainty.
Get the picture
To finally grasp the full understanding of something, especially after multiple explanations or instances.
Example: I explained it three times already. Do you finally get the picture?
Note: Conveys a sense of clarity or completion in understanding a situation or concept.
Catch the drift
To understand the hidden or implied meaning behind something.
Example: He was dropping hints all night, and I finally caught the drift.
Note: Focuses on understanding subtle or indirect messages rather than explicit information.
Tune in
To become aware of or understand something, especially after initially not paying attention or being confused.
Example: It took a while, but I eventually tuned in to what she was trying to say.
Note: Similar to picking up or grasping something, but also implies paying attention and focusing on understanding.
Nailed it
To perfectly understand or accomplish something.
Example: After studying all night, I finally nailed the concept for the exam.
Note: Indicates not just understanding, but mastering or excelling at a particular concept or task.
Understand - Examples
I understand your point of view.
Ich verstehe deinen Standpunkt.
She can't understand why he left.
Sie kann nicht verstehen, warum er gegangen ist.
He is a very understanding person.
Er ist eine sehr verständnisvolle Person.
Understand grammar
Understand - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: understand
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): understood
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): understood
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): understanding
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): understands
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): understand
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): understand
Syllables, Separation and Stress
understand Contains 3 syllables: un • der • stand
Phonetic transcription: ˌən-dər-ˈstand
un der stand , ˌən dər ˈstand (The red syllable is stressed)
Understand - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
understand: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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