verstehen
to understand, to comprehend · to see, to get (a point) · to get along with
Verstehen means 'to understand' or 'to comprehend'. It is used for grasping meaning, ideas, or people. It can also mean 'to get along with someone' (sich verstehen mit).
What verstehen means
- to understand, to comprehend — when grasping meaning, language, or a concept
- to see, to get (a point) — in phrases like 'ich verstehe' meaning 'I see' or 'I get it'
- to get along with — used reflexively with 'sich' and 'mit' + person
Heard in real German videos
Lines where verstehen was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Oh verstehe, danke Peppa.Oh I see, thank you Peppa.
- Aber ich verstehe das nicht.But I don't understand that.
- Das verstehe ich irgendwie nicht.I somehow don't understand that.
Example sentences
- Ich verstehe die Frage nicht.I don't understand the question.
- Verstehst du, was ich meine?Do you understand what I mean?
- Sie verstehen sich gut.They get along well.
- Er hat alles verstanden.He understood everything.
Grammar
| Present (ich/du/er) | verstehe / verstehst / versteht |
|---|---|
| Simple past | verstand |
| Perfect | hat verstanden |
| Separable | no |
| Case | accusative (direct object) |
Verstehen is a strong verb: verstehen – verstand – verstanden.
Common phrases
- sich gut verstehen mitto get along well with
- verstehen Sie?do you understand? (formal)
- das versteht sich von selbstthat goes without saying
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often say 'Ich bin verstehen' instead of 'Ich verstehe'. Use the simple present, not a progressive form.
Don’t confuse it with
- begreifen — Begreifen is more like 'to grasp' or 'to comprehend' deeply, often used for abstract ideas, while verstehen is the general word for understand.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between verstehen and begreifen?
Verstehen is the general word for 'to understand'. Begreifen implies a deeper, often sudden comprehension, like 'to grasp' or 'to realize'.
How do you say 'I understand' in German?
You say 'Ich verstehe' or simply 'Verstehe' in informal contexts.
Is verstehen a separable verb?
No, verstehen is not separable. The prefix 'ver-' is never separated from the stem.