German word

berühren

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈʁyːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbtouch

Example

Bitte berühren Sie die Statue nicht.

Please do not touch the statue.

Illustration for berühren (touch)

More examples

Seine Rede hat mich tief berührt.

His speech moved me deeply.

Core concept

A fingertip makes light contact with a surface, or that contact metaphorically stirs a feeling.

Common phrases

  • mit dem Finger berühren

    touch with a finger

  • jemanden berühren

    move someone

  • ein Thema berühren

    touch on a topic

Similar words

anfassen: Handling something by hand to hold, grasp, or move it.
streicheln: Gently stroking a person or animal to show affection.
spüren: Being clearly aware of a physical sensation in the body or on the skin.
streifen: Lightly grazing something while passing it or moving alongside it.

Definition in German

leicht mit dem Körper etwas antasten oder im übertragenen Sinne Gefühle bewegen.

Word origin

The verb combines the prefix be- with rühren, an inherited Germanic verb associated with stirring or moving, extending physical contact to emotional impact.

Usage tips

  • Berühren takes a direct accusative object, as in "Bitte berühren Sie die Statue nicht" and "Das berührt mich".

Other meanings

  • moveverb

Opposites

  • kaltlassenleave unmovedverb
  • abstoßenrepelverb

Related words

  • Berührungtouchnoun
  • berührendmovingadjective
  • berührtmovedadjective

Word lists with this word