German word

Begriff

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈgʁɪf/

Meaning

  • masculine nounconcept

Example

Der Begriff ist schwer zu erklären.

The concept is difficult to explain.

Illustration for Begriff (concept)

More examples

Ich habe keinen Begriff davon.

I have no idea what that is.

Core concept

A clear mental boundary around the features that make an idea or term recognizable.

Common phrases

  • keinen Begriff haben

    have no idea

  • einen Begriff von etwas haben

    have a concept of ___

Similar words

Idee: An idea that serves as the basis for an action or plan.
Vorstellung: A mental image or imagined scene formed in the mind.
Gedanke: A single thought that briefly comes to mind.

Definition in German

Begriff bezeichnet eine abstrakte, gedanklich gefasste Vorstellung von etwas.

Word origin

German formed Begriff from begreifen with the prefix be- and the root greifen, 'to grasp', linking physical grasping with conceptual understanding.

Usage tips

  • In the fixed phrase im Begriff sein, etwas zu tun, Begriff means being about to do something rather than naming an abstract concept.

Other meanings

  • termnoun
  • notionnoun
  • ideanoun

Word lists with this word