German word

anfassen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanfasən/

Meaning

  • verbtouch

Example

Ich fasse die Vase an.

I touch the vase.

Illustration for anfassen (touch)

More examples

Bitte das Produkt vor dem Kauf nicht ohne Handschuhe anfassen.

Please do not touch the product without gloves before purchasing.

Core concept

A hand reaches toward an object, makes contact, and may close around it briefly.

Common phrases

  • mit bloßen Händen anfassen

    touch with bare hands

  • das Produkt anfassen

    touch the product

Similar words

berühren: Touch a surface lightly to sense its texture.
fassen: Grasp something with the hand and hold it firmly.
greifen: Reach out and close the hand around something to seize it.
halten: Keep something supported in the hand or arms.

Definition in German

Körperliche Berührung mit der Hand, meist um etwas zu prüfen, zu ergreifen oder kurz zu halten.

Word origin

Anfassen combines the separable prefix an- for contact or approach with fassen, a Germanic verb meaning to grasp or seize.

Usage tips

  • In a finite clause, the prefix separates, as in "Ich fasse die Vase an", while the perfect participle is "angefasst".

Opposites

Related words

  • Anfassentouchingnoun
  • anfassbartouchableadjective

Word lists with this word