German Conversation · Level 27
90 words
German word
holen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈhoːlən/
Meaning
- verbget
Example
Ich hole dir einen Kaffee.
I'll get a coffee for you.
More examples
Er holt die Zeitung aus dem Briefkasten.
He gets the newspaper from the mailbox.
Core concept
A person leaves, gets an item elsewhere, and returns with it for someone or for personal use.
Common phrases
einen Kaffee holen
get a coffee
die Post holen
go and get the mail
die Kinder holen
pick up the children
Similar words
bringen: Carry or take something to another person or place.
abholen: Go to collect a person or item and bring it back.
mitbringen: Bring something along when coming to a place.
besorgen: Obtain or buy something that is needed.
Definition in German
für sich oder für eine andere Person etwas aus einem anderen Ort holen und zurückbringen
Word origin
German holen developed from Middle High German holen and Old High German holon, and is related to Dutch halen.
Usage tips
- Unlike English bring, holen focuses on going to get something, while bringen focuses on carrying it to a destination.