German Conversation · Level 175
29 words
German word
haften
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈhaftn̩/
Meaning
- verbstick
Example
Das Etikett haftet noch am Glas.
The label is still sticking to the glass.
More examples
Der Geruch haftet lange an der Kleidung.
The smell sticks to the clothing for a long time.
Core concept
A label grips a glass and an obligation grips a person, so both remain attached rather than freely detached.
Common phrases
an der Kleidung haften
stick to the clothing
an der Wand haften
stick to the wall
an der Oberfläche haften
stick to the surface
Similar words
kleben: Become stuck to another surface through adhesive or liquid.
anhaften: Remain as a thin layer on a surface and resist easy removal.
festkleben: Become stuck so firmly that removal requires considerable force.
Definition in German
Mit einer Sache fest verbunden sein; physisch an einer Oberfläche kleben oder im übertragenen Sinn für etwas verantwortlich sein.
Word origin
The verb haften descends from Old High German haftēn, from a Germanic root associated with holding fast, which supports its physical and figurative senses.
Usage tips
- Physical attachment uses an plus dative, as in am Glas, while liability uses für plus accusative, as in für den Schaden haften.
Other meanings
- be liableverb
- clingverb
Opposites
- abblätternflake offverb
- ablösenremoveverb
Related words
- anhaftenadhereverb
- Anhaftungadhesionnoun