German Conversation · Level 20
90 words
German word
tragen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈtʁaːgn̩/
Meaning
- verbcarry
Example
Du trägst die Tasche zum Auto.
You are carrying the bag to the car.
More examples
Kannst du die Kiste kurz tragen?
Can you carry the crate for a moment?
Core concept
Something remains supported by a person as the person moves, from a bag to clothing or a burden.
Common phrases
eine schwere Tasche tragen
carry a heavy bag
das Gepäck tragen
carry the luggage
Gewicht tragen
bear weight
Similar words
bringen: Move something or someone to a particular place and deliver them there.
mitnehmen: Take something or someone along when going somewhere.
anziehen: Put on clothes, shoes, or accessories.
anhaben: Have clothes, shoes, or accessories on the body.
Definition in German
Kleidung oder Gegenstände am Körper haben oder an sich befestigen; außerdem im übertragenen Sinn Lasten oder Verantwortung übernehmen.
Word origin
Tragen descends from Old High German tragan and ultimately Proto-Germanic *draganą, an inherited Germanic verb whose older carrying sense extends to things supported on the body.
Usage tips
- Unlike anziehen, which describes putting clothing on, tragen describes having clothing, shoes, or accessories on the body.