German word

knüpfen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈknʏpfən/

Meaning

  • verbestablish

Example

Auf der Messe knüpfen wir viele Kontakte.

At the trade fair, we established many contacts.

Illustration for knüpfen (establish)

More examples

Beim Basteln knüpfen Kinder bunte Freundschaftsbänder.

While crafting, children tie colorful friendship bracelets.

Core concept

A thread is tied into a knot, and the same act creates a lasting link between people.

Common phrases

  • Kontakte knüpfen

    establish contacts

  • Beziehungen knüpfen

    establish relationships

Similar words

aufnehmen: Begin communicating with someone or establish contact with them.
anbahnen: Create an initial opening for a relationship or business deal to develop.
pflegen: Maintain an existing relationship and keep it strong over time.
kennenlernen: Become acquainted with someone met for the first time.

Definition in German

Knoten mit Faden oder Schnur machen; übertragen Verbindungen oder Beziehungen herstellen.

Word origin

Knüpfen developed from Middle High German knüpfen, whose basic sense was to make a knot, before gaining figurative uses for forming relationships.

Usage tips

  • German commonly uses knüpfen with Kontakte, Beziehungen, and Freundschaften, where English usually prefers make, build, or establish rather than tie.

Other meanings

  • connectverb
  • tieverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word