German word

empfangen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛmˈpfaŋən/

Meaning

  • verbwelcome

Example

Wir empfangen die Gäste am Bahnhof.

We welcome the guests at the station.

Illustration for empfangen (welcome)

More examples

Das Radio empfängt kein Signal.

The radio receives no signal.

Core concept

A doorway lets newcomers and incoming things pass into a host's care.

Common phrases

  • Gäste empfangen

    welcome guests

  • E-Mails empfangen

    receive emails

  • einen Anruf empfangen

    receive a call

Similar words

begrüßen: To greet someone politely upon arrival.
willkommen heißen: To welcome a visitor with words of welcome.
hallo sagen: To greet a familiar person with a casual hello.

Definition in German

jemanden am Bahnhof, Flughafen o.Ä. empfangen; auch etwas (z. B. Post, Daten) entgegennehmen

Word origin

The verb comes from Old High German intfāhan, whose second element fāhan meant 'to catch or take', giving empfangen its receiving sense.

Usage tips

  • For a simple greeting, begrüßen is often more natural, while jemanden empfangen can sound formal or describe an arranged reception.

Other meanings

  • receiveverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word