German word

graben

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁaːbən/

Meaning

  • verbdig

Example

Ich grabe ein Loch.

I'm digging a hole.

Illustration for graben (dig)

More examples

Die Arbeiter graben einen Brunnen.

The workers are digging a well.

Core concept

Earth being removed by digging to make space below the surface.

Common phrases

  • graben einen Brunnen

    dig a well

  • graben im Garten

    dig in the garden

Similar words

schaufeln: To scoop up soil or snow with a shovel and move it elsewhere.
ausgraben: To dig up something buried or recover something from the ground.
ausheben: To remove earth by digging a large hole, often for a building foundation.
buddeln: To dig or turn over soil in a small area with hands or a small tool, informally.

Definition in German

Etwas aus dem Boden entfernen, um eine Öffnung, Grube oder Rinne zu bilden.

Word origin

Graben is an inherited Germanic verb related to Old English grafan and other Germanic words for digging.

Usage tips

  • The perfect uses haben, as in Ich habe ein Loch gegraben, and the past participle is gegraben.

Other meanings

  • excavateverb

Opposites

  • auffüllenfill inverb

Related words

  • die Grabungexcavationnoun
  • der Grabenditchnoun

Word lists with this word