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A1 verb #2,500 le plus courant 16 min de lecture

empfangen

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces empfangen en 30 secondes
Explication empfangen in your Level:
At the A1 beginner level, the German verb 'empfangen' is introduced primarily in the context of basic hospitality and simple, everyday scenarios involving the reception of guests or visitors. While A1 learners will more frequently use the simpler verb 'bekommen' for getting objects, 'empfangen' is essential for understanding formal greetings and basic hotel or office interactions. A beginner might learn phrases like 'Ich empfange Gäste' (I receive/welcome guests) or 'Wir empfangen Besuch' (We are receiving visitors). At this stage, the focus is heavily on memorizing the present tense conjugation, specifically noting the crucial vowel change from 'a' to 'ä' in the second and third person singular forms ('du empfängst', 'er/sie/es empfängt'). This irregular conjugation pattern is a fundamental building block for mastering strong German verbs. Furthermore, A1 learners will encounter 'empfangen' in basic listening exercises, such as understanding a hotel receptionist saying, 'Wir empfangen Sie gerne' (We gladly welcome you). The concept of the inseparable prefix 'emp-' is introduced, teaching learners that the verb does not split in standard sentence structures. While the technical and abstract meanings of the word are generally reserved for higher levels, establishing a solid foundation with its core meaning of 'welcoming' and its present tense morphology is a critical step in the A1 curriculum, paving the way for more complex usage later on.
As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding and application of 'empfangen' expand significantly beyond basic hospitality to include everyday technology and simple past tense narratives. A major new context introduced at this level is the reception of signals and data. A2 students learn highly practical, modern phrases such as 'Ich kann hier kein WLAN empfangen' (I cannot receive Wi-Fi here) or 'Mein Handy empfängt kein Signal' (My phone receives no signal). This technological application is crucial for daily life in German-speaking countries. Additionally, the A2 curriculum introduces the present perfect tense (Perfekt) for speaking about the past. Learners must grasp the critical rule that 'empfangen', due to its inseparable prefix, forms its past participle without the 'ge-' prefix, resulting in 'hat empfangen'. Practicing sentences like 'Hast du das Paket empfangen?' (Did you receive the package?) helps solidify this grammatical rule. Furthermore, A2 learners begin to read short, simple texts where the simple past tense (Präteritum) might appear, requiring them to recognize the form 'empfing'. The distinction between 'bekommen' (for casual receiving) and 'empfangen' (for formal receiving or technical signals) becomes clearer, allowing learners to make more appropriate vocabulary choices in their spoken and written German.
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At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'empfangen' becomes substantially more sophisticated, integrating into formal written correspondence, professional environments, and more complex grammatical structures. B1 learners are expected to write formal emails and letters, where 'empfangen' is frequently used to acknowledge the receipt of documents or information. Phrases like 'Wir haben Ihre Bewerbung dankend empfangen' (We have received your application with thanks) become standard repertoire. The focus shifts towards understanding the register of the word—recognizing that 'empfangen' elevates the formality of a sentence compared to 'erhalten' or 'bekommen'. In professional contexts, B1 students learn to describe business processes, such as 'Die Rezeption empfängt die Lieferanten' (The reception receives the suppliers). Grammatically, learners at this stage are comfortable using 'empfangen' across all major tenses, including the Präteritum ('empfing') for written narratives and reports. They also begin to encounter the passive voice, learning to construct and understand sentences like 'Das Signal wird von der Antenne empfangen' (The signal is received by the antenna). This level also introduces related nouns, such as 'der Empfang' (the reception/reception desk) and 'der Empfänger' (the recipient), helping learners build a cohesive word family and expand their overall vocabulary network around the concept of receiving.
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Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means learners can utilize 'empfangen' with a high degree of nuance, accuracy, and contextual awareness, navigating complex professional, technical, and abstract scenarios. At this stage, 'empfangen' is used effortlessly in discussions about telecommunications infrastructure, media broadcasting, and corporate logistics. B2 learners can articulate detailed technical problems, such as 'Der Satellit kann die verschlüsselten Daten nicht fehlerfrei empfangen' (The satellite cannot receive the encrypted data without errors). In professional and diplomatic contexts, the verb is used to describe high-level meetings and official protocols, e.g., 'Der Ministerpräsident empfing die Delegation zu einem formellen Gespräch' (The Prime Minister received the delegation for a formal discussion). B2 students also explore the more abstract and metaphorical uses of the word, such as receiving an idea, a doctrine, or a cultural influence. The distinction between 'empfangen', 'erhalten', and 'bekommen' is fully internalized, allowing for precise stylistic choices in essays, reports, and presentations. Furthermore, learners at this level are comfortable with complex sentence structures involving 'empfangen', including relative clauses, extended infinitive phrases, and subjunctive moods (Konjunktiv I and II) for reported speech or hypothetical situations, demonstrating a near-native command of the verb's syntactic flexibility.
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At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a masterful, highly nuanced command of 'empfangen', employing it with the precision and stylistic flair of an educated native speaker. The focus at this level is on literary usage, subtle semantic distinctions, and specialized jargon. C1 learners encounter 'empfangen' in classic and contemporary German literature, where it may be used to describe profound emotional or spiritual reception, such as 'Sie empfing die Nachricht mit stoischer Ruhe' (She received the news with stoic calmness) or in religious contexts regarding sacraments. The biological meaning of 'empfangen' (to conceive a child) is also fully understood and recognized in medical or historical texts. At this stage, learners can engage in high-level linguistic discussions about why an author chose 'empfangen' over 'erhalten' to create a specific atmosphere or tone. They use the verb flawlessly in highly complex grammatical constructs, such as passive voice with modal verbs ('Das Signal muss störungsfrei empfangen werden können') and participial adjectives ('die empfangenen Daten'). C1 proficiency means the learner intuitively understands the historical weight, the formal elegance, and the technical exactitude that 'empfangen' brings to a sentence, using it to elevate their own academic writing, professional discourse, and sophisticated conversation.
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At the C2 mastery level, the learner's understanding of 'empfangen' is indistinguishable from that of a highly articulate native speaker, encompassing its deepest etymological roots, archaic usages, and most complex philosophical applications. C2 users appreciate the historical evolution of the inseparable prefix 'emp-' and its connection to the root verb 'fangen' (to catch), understanding how this active 'catching' underlies the seemingly passive act of receiving. They can seamlessly navigate texts from different historical periods, recognizing older or poetic forms and contexts. In philosophical or academic discourse, a C2 learner might use 'empfangen' to discuss the reception theory in literature or the cognitive reception of sensory input. They are adept at using idiomatic expressions and fixed collocations involving the verb, and they can playfully or ironically manipulate its formal register for rhetorical effect. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, 'empfangen' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a fully integrated conceptual tool used to articulate complex ideas about communication, hospitality, biology, and human interaction with absolute precision, elegance, and cultural resonance.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

empfangen en 30 secondes

  • Means 'to receive' (signals, formal mail) or 'to welcome' (guests).
  • Strong verb: empfängt (present), empfing (past), hat empfangen (perfect).
  • Inseparable prefix 'emp-': Never use 'ge-' in the past participle.
  • More formal than 'bekommen'; standard for technology and hospitality.
The German verb 'empfangen' is a highly versatile, multifaceted, and deeply essential word that translates primarily to 'to receive' or 'to welcome' in the English language. However, limiting its definition to these simple translations would do a significant disservice to its rich linguistic heritage, its nuanced connotations, and its wide array of applications in contemporary spoken and written German. When we delve into the core meaning of 'empfangen', we uncover a broad spectrum of usage that ranges from the physical reception of objects, such as a package, a letter, or a delivery, to the abstract reception of signals, such as radio, television, or Wi-Fi broadcasts, and even to the deeply personal and biological concept of conceiving a child. Understanding 'empfangen' requires a highly nuanced approach, recognizing that its appropriate usage depends heavily on the specific context, the social register, and the precise nuances the speaker wishes to convey to their audience. Let us explore the various dimensions of this essential German verb in great detail.

Wir empfangen unsere Gäste heute Abend.

Firstly, in its most common everyday usage, 'empfangen' refers to the deliberate act of welcoming someone into a space. When you host guests at your home, or when a company welcomes a new employee or a delegation, the act of receiving them is beautifully and accurately captured by the verb 'empfangen'.
Hospitality Context
Used when formally welcoming guests, visitors, or dignitaries into a specific location or event.
This usage implies a certain level of formality, preparation, and intentionality that goes far beyond merely 'meeting' someone by chance. It suggests readiness, a hospitable disposition, and a structured environment. For instance, a hotel receptionist 'empfängt' the arriving guests, ensuring their initial experience is smooth, professional, and pleasant.

Der Präsident wird die Delegation empfangen.

This formal welcoming is a cornerstone of German hospitality and professional business etiquette. Secondly, 'empfangen' is extensively and crucially used in the realm of modern technology, telecommunications, and broadcasting. In our modern, hyper-connected digital world, the ability to receive signals is absolutely paramount for daily functioning. Whether it is a smartphone receiving a Wi-Fi signal in a cafe, a television antenna receiving a high-definition broadcast, or a satellite dish receiving complex data streams from space, 'empfangen' is the definitive verb of choice.
Technological Context
Describes the passive reception of invisible waves, radio frequencies, and digital data streams.
This technical application highlights the verb's remarkable capacity to describe the passive reception of invisible waves and data. It is a true testament to the word's linguistic adaptability that a term with ancient, historical roots can seamlessly and perfectly integrate into the specialized vocabulary of the twenty-first-century digital age.

Ich kann hier leider kein WLAN empfangen.

Thirdly, we must carefully consider the usage of 'empfangen' in the context of receiving physical items or documents. While verbs like 'bekommen' or 'erhalten' are very often used for receiving everyday objects like birthday gifts, standard mail, or casual emails, 'empfangen' carries a slightly more formal, official, or significant weight. You might 'empfangen' a highly important legal document, a prestigious academic award, or an official state delegation. The deliberate choice of 'empfangen' in these specific scenarios elevates the overall significance of the exchange, marking it as an event of note rather than a mundane, everyday occurrence.

Haben Sie mein Einschreiben empfangen?

Furthermore, 'empfangen' holds a very specific and profound meaning in biological and religious contexts. In biology, it refers directly to the conception of a child, a usage that is deeply embedded in the language's historical, literary, and cultural fabric.
Biological and Religious Context
Refers to conceiving a child or receiving a holy sacrament in a church setting.
In religious settings, particularly within the traditions of Christianity, one 'empfängt' a holy sacrament, such as communion, baptism, or confirmation. This spiritual reception underscores the verb's unique capacity to convey profound, life-altering, and deeply personal experiences.

Sie hat das Sakrament der Taufe empfangen.

To fully grasp the immense depth and utility of 'empfangen', one must also appreciate its grammatical structure and etymological origins, which continue to shape its modern usage across all German-speaking regions.
Mastering the usage of the German verb 'empfangen' requires a comprehensive understanding of its grammatical properties, its conjugation patterns across various tenses, and its syntactical behavior within different types of sentence structures. Because 'empfangen' is a strong (irregular) verb, it does not follow the standard, predictable conjugation rules that apply to weak verbs, making it a crucial focal point for German learners who wish to achieve fluency and accuracy in their communication. The verb is composed of the inseparable prefix 'emp-' and the strong root verb 'fangen', which means 'to catch'.

Er empfängt jeden Morgen die neuesten Nachrichten.

This morphological structure is absolutely vital to remember, as the inseparable nature of the prefix dictates that 'emp-' remains firmly attached to the root 'fangen' in all conceivable tenses, moods, and sentence positions.
Inseparable Prefix Rule
The prefix 'emp-' never detaches from the verb, regardless of the tense or sentence structure.
When conjugating 'empfangen' in the present tense (Präsens), learners must pay close attention to the vowel change that occurs in the second and third person singular forms. The root vowel 'a' undergoes an umlaut shift, changing to 'ä'. Therefore, while we say 'ich empfange' (I receive) and 'wir empfangen' (we receive), we must say 'du empfängst' (you receive) and 'er/sie/es empfängt' (he/she/it receives). This vowel mutation is a classic characteristic of many strong German verbs and is essential for sounding natural and grammatically correct.

Du empfängst das Signal sehr deutlich.

Moving on to the simple past tense (Präteritum), which is frequently used in written narratives, literature, and formal reports, 'empfangen' undergoes a significant stem vowel change from 'a' to 'i'. The resulting forms are 'ich empfing', 'du empfingst', 'er/sie/es empfing', 'wir empfingen', 'ihr empfingt', and 'sie/Sie empfingen'.
Präteritum Vowel Shift
The root vowel changes completely from 'a' to 'i' in the simple past tense.
This past tense form is highly prevalent in journalism and storytelling, for example, when describing how a politician was received by the public or how a signal was intercepted.

Die Königin empfing den Botschafter im Palast.

For spoken German and informal writing, the present perfect tense (Perfekt) is the standard choice for expressing past events. The past participle of 'empfangen' is exactly the same as its infinitive form: 'empfangen'. Because the prefix 'emp-' is inseparable, there is no 'ge-' added to the beginning of the participle. The auxiliary verb used to form the perfect tense is 'haben'. Thus, the construction is 'ich habe empfangen', 'du hast empfangen', and so forth.

Wir haben Ihre E-Mail erfolgreich empfangen.

This makes the perfect tense relatively straightforward once the rule regarding inseparable prefixes is fully internalized. In terms of syntax, 'empfangen' is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object in the accusative case to complete its meaning. You must always receive *something* or *someone*.
Transitive Nature
Always requires an accusative object. You cannot simply 'empfangen' without specifying what or whom.
For example, in the sentence 'Ich empfange den Gast' (I receive the guest), 'den Gast' is the accusative direct object. Understanding this transitive requirement is crucial for building accurate and meaningful sentences. Furthermore, 'empfangen' can be used in the passive voice, which is particularly common in formal and technical contexts.

Das Paket wurde gestern empfangen.

By mastering these grammatical rules, learners can confidently deploy 'empfangen' across a wide variety of contexts, ensuring their German is both accurate and sophisticated.
The verb 'empfangen' permeates numerous facets of daily life, professional environments, technological interfaces, and cultural institutions across the German-speaking world. Because its meaning spans from the highly physical act of welcoming individuals to the completely invisible reception of digital data, learners will encounter this word in a remarkably diverse array of contexts. Recognizing where and how 'empfangen' is typically used is essential for developing a natural ear for the language and for understanding the subtle contextual cues that dictate its selection over similar verbs like 'bekommen' or 'erhalten'. Let us embark on a detailed exploration of the most common and significant environments where you are guaranteed to hear or read the word 'empfangen'.

Der Router kann das Signal nicht empfangen.

One of the most ubiquitous modern contexts for 'empfangen' is within the realm of technology, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. If you are setting up a new television, troubleshooting a poor internet connection, or trying to find a cellular signal in a remote mountainous area, 'empfangen' is the operative verb.
IT and Telecommunications
The standard terminology for devices receiving data, signals, or broadcasts.
You will frequently hear phrases like 'Kein Netz empfangen' (no network reception) or 'WLAN empfangen' (to receive Wi-Fi). In this context, the verb is entirely devoid of any emotional or personal connotation; it strictly describes the technical capability of a device to capture electromagnetic waves. Moving from the digital to the physical, the hospitality and tourism industry relies heavily on 'empfangen' to convey professionalism, warmth, and high standards of service.

Die Rezeptionistin wird Sie in der Lobby empfangen.

When you arrive at a hotel, a conference center, or a formal event, the staff's primary duty is to 'empfangen' the guests. This usage emphasizes a structured, deliberate, and courteous welcoming process. It is not a casual greeting; it is an official reception.
Hospitality Industry
Used to describe the formal process of greeting and accommodating guests upon their arrival.
Similarly, in the corporate world and in diplomatic circles, 'empfangen' is used to describe high-level meetings and official visits. A CEO might 'empfangen' a group of important investors, or a Chancellor might 'empfangen' a foreign head of state.

Der Bürgermeister empfing die siegreiche Mannschaft im Rathaus.

In these scenarios, the verb carries a weight of respect, protocol, and institutional significance. Furthermore, 'empfangen' is a staple of formal written correspondence and logistics. When a package is delivered by a courier service like DHL or Deutsche Post, the recipient must often sign to confirm that they have 'empfangen' the goods. Formal letters and emails frequently utilize the past participle in their opening or closing remarks, such as 'Wir haben Ihr Schreiben dankend empfangen' (We have received your letter with thanks).

Die Ware wurde gestern ordnungsgemäß empfangen.

Finally, in religious and spiritual contexts, particularly within the Catholic and Protestant churches in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, 'empfangen' is the designated verb for taking part in sacraments.
Religious Ceremonies
The specific verb used for receiving communion, baptism, or other holy sacraments.
A person 'empfängt die Kommunion' (receives communion) or 'empfängt den Segen' (receives the blessing).

Die Gläubigen empfangen den Segen des Priesters.

This deeply traditional usage highlights the verb's capacity to express the reception of something intangible, sacred, and profoundly meaningful, showcasing the incredible semantic range of 'empfangen' in the German language.
When learning the German verb 'empfangen', students frequently encounter a specific set of grammatical and contextual pitfalls that can lead to confusion, awkward phrasing, or outright misunderstandings. Because 'empfangen' shares semantic territory with several other common German verbs of receiving, such as 'bekommen', 'erhalten', and 'kriegen', the most prevalent mistakes usually involve choosing the wrong verb for a given situation. Additionally, the strong conjugation pattern and the inseparable prefix present significant morphological challenges for learners at all levels. By thoroughly analyzing these common mistakes, learners can proactively adjust their study strategies and significantly improve their accuracy and fluency.

FALSCH: Ich habe ein Geschenk empfangen. (KORREKT: bekommen)

The single most frequent error is overusing 'empfangen' in casual, everyday situations where 'bekommen' is the natural and correct choice. 'Empfangen' carries a distinct tone of formality, officiality, or technical specificity.
Register Error
Using 'empfangen' for casual, everyday receiving instead of the more appropriate 'bekommen'.
If a learner says, 'Ich habe gestern einen Apfel empfangen' (I received an apple yesterday), it sounds highly unnatural and almost comical to a native speaker, as if the apple were an official state dignitary or a formal document. For everyday objects, gifts, or casual information, 'bekommen' or the colloquial 'kriegen' must be used. Another major area of difficulty lies in the conjugation of 'empfangen', particularly in the present perfect tense (Perfekt). Because many German past participles are formed by adding the prefix 'ge-', learners instinctively try to apply this rule to 'empfangen'.

FALSCH: Ich habe das Paket geempfangen. (KORREKT: empfangen)

This results in the grammatically incorrect form 'geempfangen'. It is crucial to remember that verbs beginning with the inseparable prefix 'emp-' (as well as be-, ent-, er-, ge-, ver-, zer-) never take the 'ge-' prefix in the past participle. The correct form is simply 'hat empfangen'.
Participle Error
Incorrectly adding the 'ge-' prefix to the past participle form.
Furthermore, learners often struggle with the vowel mutation (Umlaut) in the present tense. Forgetting to change the 'a' to 'ä' in the second and third person singular is a very common mistake.

FALSCH: Er empfangt die Gäste. (KORREKT: empfängt)

Saying 'er empfangt' instead of the correct 'er empfängt' immediately marks the speaker as a learner who has not yet mastered strong verb conjugations. Consistent practice and memorization of these specific forms are necessary to overcome this hurdle. Another subtle but important mistake involves confusing 'empfangen' with 'akzeptieren' (to accept). While you might 'receive' an apology in English, in German, you do not 'empfangen' an apology; you accept it ('eine Entschuldigung annehmen' or 'akzeptieren').

FALSCH: Ich empfange deine Entschuldigung. (KORREKT: nehme an)

'Empfangen' is strictly about the act of taking delivery or welcoming, not about the psychological or emotional act of agreeing to or accepting something abstract like an apology, an offer, or terms and conditions.
Semantic Confusion
Using 'empfangen' when 'annehmen' (to accept) is the logically correct verb.
Finally, learners sometimes misuse 'empfangen' when talking about catching physical objects thrown through the air. Because the root word is 'fangen' (to catch), a learner might logically guess that 'empfangen' means to catch a ball.

FALSCH: Der Hund hat den Ball empfangen. (KORREKT: gefangen)

However, this is incorrect. You 'fangen' a ball; you 'empfangen' a guest or a radio signal. By carefully studying these common errors and understanding the precise boundaries of 'empfangen', learners can greatly refine their German vocabulary usage.
The German language is renowned for its precision and its vast vocabulary, which often provides several different words to express slightly different nuances of a single English concept. When it comes to the English verb 'to receive', German offers a rich tapestry of synonyms and related terms, each with its own specific connotations, registers, and appropriate contexts. To truly master 'empfangen', one must understand how it relates to, and differs from, its closest linguistic neighbors, primarily 'bekommen', 'erhalten', 'kriegen', 'annehmen', and 'begrüßen'. This comparative analysis is essential for developing a sophisticated and native-like command of German vocabulary.

Ich habe gestern einen Brief bekommen.

The most common and direct alternative to 'empfangen' is the verb 'bekommen'. 'Bekommen' is the universal, everyday workhorse for 'to get' or 'to receive' in German. It is used in almost all casual and standard contexts for receiving physical objects, information, gifts, or even illnesses (e.g., 'eine Erkältung bekommen').
Bekommen vs. Empfangen
'Bekommen' is casual and universal; 'empfangen' is formal, technical, or official.
While you 'bekommen' a birthday present from a friend, you 'empfangen' an official certificate from a university. Using 'empfangen' instead of 'bekommen' in casual speech sounds overly stiff and unnatural. Another highly relevant synonym is 'erhalten'. 'Erhalten' sits comfortably between the casual 'bekommen' and the highly formal 'empfangen' on the register scale. It is frequently used in written German, business correspondence, and formal speech to denote the reception of goods, messages, or documents.

Wir haben Ihre Zahlung dankend erhalten.

While 'empfangen' and 'erhalten' can sometimes be used interchangeably in formal writing (e.g., 'einen Brief erhalten' vs. 'einen Brief empfangen'), 'empfangen' retains a stronger association with the *act* of taking delivery or the technical reception of signals, whereas 'erhalten' focuses more on the *result* of now possessing the item.
Erhalten vs. Empfangen
'Erhalten' focuses on coming into possession; 'empfangen' focuses on the act of welcoming or intercepting.
In colloquial, spoken German, the verb 'kriegen' is exceptionally common. It is the most informal way to say 'to get' or 'to receive'.

Hast du meine Nachricht gekriegt?

'Kriegen' should be strictly avoided in formal writing or professional contexts, where 'bekommen', 'erhalten', or 'empfangen' are required. It represents the absolute opposite end of the formality spectrum from 'empfangen'. When 'empfangen' is used in the sense of welcoming guests, its closest synonym is 'begrüßen' (to greet). While they are related, they are not identical. 'Begrüßen' refers specifically to the verbal or physical act of saying hello (e.g., shaking hands, saying 'Guten Tag').

Der Gastgeber begrüßte jeden Gast persönlich.

'Empfangen', on the other hand, encompasses the entire process of taking someone in, hosting them, and managing their arrival. You can 'begrüßen' someone on the street, but you 'empfangen' someone into your home or office.
Begrüßen vs. Empfangen
'Begrüßen' is just the greeting; 'empfangen' is the comprehensive act of hosting and welcoming.
Finally, 'annehmen' (to accept) is related but distinct. You 'empfangen' a package from the postman, but you 'annehmen' an offer, a challenge, or an apology.

Er wollte das großzügige Angebot nicht annehmen.

Understanding these subtle boundaries ensures precise and elegant German expression.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Inseparable Prefixes (be-, emp-, ent-, er-, ge-, ver-, zer-)

Strong Verbs with Vowel Mutation in Present Tense (a to ä)

Strong Verbs with Vowel Change in Simple Past (a to i)

Formation of the Present Perfect Tense without 'ge-'

Transitive Verbs requiring the Accusative Case

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Exemples par niveau

1

Ich empfange heute meine Gäste.

I am receiving my guests today.

Present tense, 1st person singular. Note the standard 'e' ending.

2

Er empfängt den Besuch an der Tür.

He receives the visitor at the door.

Present tense, 3rd person singular. Notice the vowel change from 'a' to 'ä'.

3

Wir empfangen unsere Familie am Bahnhof.

We are receiving our family at the train station.

Present tense, 1st person plural. The verb takes the accusative object 'unsere Familie'.

4

Empfängst du oft Gäste?

Do you often receive guests?

Question form, 2nd person singular. Vowel change 'ä' is required.

5

Die Rezeption empfängt die Touristen.

The reception receives the tourists.

Present tense, 3rd person singular. Common hospitality context.

6

Ich habe den Brief empfangen.

I have received the letter.

Perfect tense. Note that the past participle 'empfangen' has no 'ge-' prefix.

7

Sie empfangen das Paket.

They receive the package.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

8

Bitte empfangen Sie den Gast.

Please receive the guest.

Formal imperative form using 'Sie'.

1

Mein Handy kann hier kein Netz empfangen.

My phone cannot receive a network here.

Infinitive used with the modal verb 'können'.

2

Hast du das WLAN-Signal empfangen?

Did you receive the Wi-Fi signal?

Perfect tense question. 'WLAN-Signal' is the accusative object.

3

Der Fernseher empfängt viele Sender.

The television receives many channels.

Present tense, 3rd person singular with vowel mutation 'ä'.

4

Wir haben Ihre Nachricht gestern empfangen.

We received your message yesterday.

Perfect tense used for a completed past action.

5

Das Radio empfängt klassische Musik.

The radio receives classical music.

Present tense. Technical context of receiving a broadcast.

6

Er empfing das Paket am Morgen.

He received the package in the morning.

Simple past (Präteritum) introduced. Note the vowel change to 'i'.

7

Können Sie mich gut empfangen?

Can you receive me well? (Can you hear me clearly?)

Common phrase used during phone calls or radio communication.

8

Die Antenne muss das Signal empfangen.

The antenna must receive the signal.

Infinitive at the end of the sentence due to the modal verb 'muss'.

1

Wir haben Ihr Schreiben vom 12. Mai dankend empfangen.

We have received your letter of May 12th with thanks.

Highly common formal phrase in business correspondence. Perfect tense.

2

Der Bürgermeister empfing die Delegation im Rathaus.

The mayor received the delegation in the town hall.

Präteritum (simple past) used for formal reporting of an event.

3

Um diese Sender zu empfangen, brauchen Sie einen Receiver.

In order to receive these channels, you need a receiver.

Infinitive clause with 'um ... zu'.

4

Das Dokument wurde vom Sekretariat empfangen.

The document was received by the secretariat.

Passive voice in the simple past (Präteritum Passiv).

5

Sobald wir das Geld empfangen haben, schicken wir die Ware.

As soon as we have received the money, we will send the goods.

Subordinate clause starting with 'sobald', pushing the conjugated verb to the end.

6

Die Gäste wurden mit einem Glas Sekt empfangen.

The guests were received with a glass of sparkling wine.

Passive voice describing a welcoming ceremony.

7

Es ist wichtig, klare Signale zu empfangen.

It is important to receive clear signals.

Infinitive phrase with 'zu'.

8

Sie empfängt jeden Freitag die neuen Lieferungen.

She receives the new deliveries every Friday.

Present tense describing a regular, habitual action.

1

Der Satellit ist darauf ausgelegt, hochauflösende Bilder zu empfangen.

The satellite is designed to receive high-resolution images.

Complex sentence structure with 'darauf ausgelegt' and an extended infinitive clause.

2

Trotz des schlechten Wetters konnten wir die Übertragung störungsfrei empfangen.

Despite the bad weather, we were able to receive the broadcast without interference.

Use of the preposition 'trotz' (genitive) and modal verb in the past.

3

Der Botschafter wurde mit allen militärischen Ehren empfangen.

The ambassador was received with full military honors.

Passive voice in a highly formal, diplomatic context.

4

Die Daten, die vom Server empfangen wurden, sind fehlerhaft.

The data that was received from the server is faulty.

Relative clause in the passive voice modifying 'Die Daten'.

5

Man geht davon aus, dass das Gerät die Frequenzen automatisch empfängt.

It is assumed that the device receives the frequencies automatically.

Subordinate 'dass' clause following an impersonal expression.

6

Nachdem sie das Sakrament empfangen hatte, verließ sie die Kirche.

After she had received the sacrament, she left the church.

Past perfect (Plusquamperfekt) indicating an action completed before another past action.

7

Wir bitten Sie, den Empfang dieser E-Mail zu bestätigen.

We ask you to confirm the receipt of this email.

Using the related noun 'der Empfang' in a formal request.

8

Das neu empfangene Signal wird sofort analysiert.

The newly received signal is analyzed immediately.

Past participle 'empfangen' used as an adjective (Partizipialattribut).

1

Die literarische Strömung wurde in Deutschland nur zögerlich empfangen.

The literary movement was received only hesitantly in Germany.

Abstract usage referring to the reception of ideas or cultural movements.

2

Er empfing die Hiobsbotschaft mit einer bemerkenswerten stoischen Fassung.

He received the devastating news with remarkable stoic composure.

Advanced vocabulary ('Hiobsbotschaft', 'stoische Fassung') combined with Präteritum.

3

Die zu empfangenden Datenmengen übersteigen die Kapazität des aktuellen Netzwerks.

The data volumes to be received exceed the capacity of the current network.

Gerundive construction ('die zu empfangenden Datenmengen') expressing necessity/passive capability.

4

Es obliegt dem Gastgeber, die eintreffenden Gäste gebührend zu empfangen.

It is incumbent upon the host to receive the arriving guests properly.

Highly formal register using 'obliegen' and 'gebührend'.

5

Hätte die Antenne das Signal rechtzeitig empfangen, wäre die Katastrophe abgewendet worden.

Had the antenna received the signal in time, the disaster would have been averted.

Konjunktiv II (Subjunctive II) in the past, expressing an unreal conditional situation.

6

Sie beschrieb den Moment, in dem sie das neue Leben in sich empfing.

She described the moment in which she conceived the new life within her.

Literary/biological usage meaning 'to conceive', used in a poetic context.

7

Die vom Sensor empfangenen Impulse werden in digitale Signale umgewandelt.

The impulses received by the sensor are converted into digital signals.

Extended participial attribute ('Die vom Sensor empfangenen Impulse').

8

Sein Werk wurde von der Kritik mit gemischten Gefühlen empfangen.

His work was received by the critics with mixed feelings.

Metaphorical reception of art or literature by the public or critics.

1

Die Rezeptionstheorie untersucht, wie ein Text vom Leser empfangen und interpretiert wird.

Reception theory examines how a text is received and interpreted by the reader.

Academic context, discussing literary theory and cognitive reception.

2

In den alten Schriften steht geschrieben, dass er die göttliche Offenbarung auf dem Berg empfing.

It is written in the ancient scriptures that he received the divine revelation on the mountain.

Archaic/religious context using the simple past for historical narrative.

3

Die Subtilität, mit der sie die unausgesprochenen Vorwürfe empfing, zeugte von ihrer diplomatischen Brillanz.

The subtlety with which she received the unspoken accusations testified to her diplomatic brilliance.

Highly complex sentence structure analyzing psychological and social dynamics.

4

Man kann sich des Eindrucks nicht erwehren, dass diese Ideologie hier auf fruchtbaren Boden fällt und begierig empfangen wird.

One cannot escape the impression that this ideology falls on fertile ground here and is eagerly received.

Idiomatic phrasing ('auf fruchtbaren Boden fallen') combined with abstract reception.

5

Das zu empfangende Erbe war mit derart vielen rechtlichen Klauseln versehen, dass er es ausschlug.

The inheritance to be received was encumbered with so many legal clauses that he renounced it.

Gerundive used in a complex legal context.

6

Ihre Worte wurden als Affront empfangen, obgleich sie als Kompliment intendiert waren.

Her words were received as an affront, although they were intended as a compliment.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('Affront', 'intendiert') discussing the perception of communication.

7

Der Äther war erfüllt von den unzähligen Frequenzen, die darauf warteten, von den Apparaturen empfangen zu werden.

The ether was filled with the countless frequencies waiting to be received by the apparatuses.

Poetic, slightly archaic description of early radio technology.

8

Er empfing den Ritterschlag aus den Händen des Monarchen in einer von Ehrfurcht getragenen Zeremonie.

He received the knighthood from the hands of the monarch in a ceremony borne of reverence.

Historical/ceremonial usage with highly elevated diction.

Collocations courantes

Gäste empfangen
ein Signal empfangen
WLAN empfangen
eine Nachricht empfangen
ein Paket empfangen
das Sakrament empfangen
herzlich empfangen
störungsfrei empfangen
einen Brief empfangen
den Segen empfangen

Phrases Courantes

Wir haben Ihr Schreiben dankend empfangen.
Ich kann hier nichts empfangen.
Jemanden mit offenen Armen empfangen.
Kein Netz empfangen.
Einen herzlichen Empfang bereiten.
Gäste an der Tür empfangen.
Ein klares Signal empfangen.
Den Botschafter empfangen.
Die Kommunion empfangen.
Daten fehlerfrei empfangen.

Souvent confondu avec

empfangen vs bekommen

empfangen vs erhalten

empfangen vs fangen

Expressions idiomatiques

"Jemanden mit offenen Armen empfangen"
"Einen kühlen Empfang bereiten"
"Auf Empfang sein"
"Nichts empfangen können (metaphorisch für nicht zuhören)"
"Jemanden fürstlich empfangen"
"Ein Kind empfangen"
"Den letzten Segen empfangen"
"Wie man empfangen wird, so wird man entlassen"
"Auf der gleichen Wellenlänge empfangen"
"Jemanden gebührend empfangen"

Facile à confondre

empfangen vs bekommen

empfangen vs erhalten

empfangen vs fangen

empfangen vs annehmen

empfangen vs begrüßen

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

formality

Highly formal when referring to physical objects or people. Neutral when referring to technical signals.

historical evolution

The biological meaning 'to conceive' is older and mostly found in religious or literary texts today, though 'Empfängnisverhütung' (contraception) remains a standard medical term.

regional differences

Universally understood across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with no major regional variations in meaning.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'empfangen' for casual receiving.
  • Adding 'ge-' to the past participle.
  • Forgetting the umlaut in the present tense.
  • Using 'empfangen' to mean 'to catch a ball'.
  • Separating the prefix in a sentence.

Astuces

No 'ge-' in the Past Participle

Never say 'geempfangen'. The prefix 'emp-' is inseparable. The correct past participle is exactly the same as the infinitive: 'empfangen'. Example: 'Ich habe die E-Mail empfangen.'

Tech Talk

Use 'empfangen' when talking about your phone, TV, or radio. It is the perfect verb for discussing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular network signals. 'Ich empfange hier kein 5G.'

Watch the Umlaut

Remember the vowel shift in the present tense. It's 'du empfängst' and 'er empfängt'. Forgetting the umlaut is a dead giveaway that you are still learning the basics of strong verbs.

Don't Use for Gifts

If your friend gives you a birthday present, do not say 'Ich habe ein Geschenk empfangen'. It sounds like you are a king receiving tribute. Say 'Ich habe ein Geschenk bekommen'.

Formal Emails

In business German, acknowledging receipt is crucial. Start formal replies with 'Wir haben Ihre Nachricht dankend empfangen.' It sounds highly professional and polite.

Train Announcements

Listen closely at German train stations. You will often hear announcements about how arriving passengers will be 'empfangen' by staff or connecting services.

Der Empfang

Connect the verb to its noun form. 'Der Empfang' means the reception desk at a hotel or office. If you are lost in a building, ask: 'Wo ist der Empfang?'

Mit offenen Armen

Learn the phrase 'jemanden mit offenen Armen empfangen' (to receive someone with open arms). It's a beautiful way to describe a very warm and enthusiastic welcome.

Emp- not Ent-

Be careful with the spelling. It is 'empfangen' with an 'm', not 'entfangen' with an 'n'. The 'p' forces the preceding nasal consonant to become an 'm'.

Spotting the Präteritum

When reading German news, look out for 'empfing'. Journalists use this simple past form constantly when reporting on politicians meeting each other (e.g., 'Der Kanzler empfing den Präsidenten').

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) that you FANGEN (catch). You RECEIVE the EMP signal.

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'enpfāhen', Old High German 'intfāhan'.

Contexte culturel

In the predominantly Catholic regions of southern Germany and Austria, 'die Kommunion empfangen' is a significant community event, often celebrated with large family gatherings.

Welcoming guests ('Gäste empfangen') in a German home often involves offering coffee and cake (Kaffee und Kuchen) in the afternoon, a deeply rooted cultural tradition.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Kannst du hier eigentlich WLAN empfangen?"

"Wer wird die Gäste heute Abend an der Tür empfangen?"

"Haben Sie meine E-Mail von gestern empfangen?"

"Wie wurden Sie im neuen Hotel empfangen?"

"Welche Sender kann dieser alte Fernseher noch empfangen?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du sehr herzlich empfangen wurdest.

Warum ist es in der heutigen Zeit so wichtig, überall ein Signal empfangen zu können?

Was ist der Unterschied zwischen 'ein Geschenk bekommen' und 'einen Preis empfangen' für dich?

Stell dir vor, du bist Hotelmanager. Wie möchtest du, dass deine Gäste empfangen werden?

Schreibe eine formelle E-Mail, in der du bestätigst, dass du wichtige Dokumente empfangen hast.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Bekommen' is the everyday word for 'to get' or 'to receive'. You use it for gifts, casual emails, or getting a cold. 'Empfangen' is much more formal. It is used for welcoming official guests, receiving radio/Wi-Fi signals, or acknowledging receipt of formal documents. Using 'empfangen' for a birthday present sounds very strange to native speakers. Stick to 'bekommen' for daily life.

The past participle of 'empfangen' is simply 'empfangen'. Because it starts with the inseparable prefix 'emp-', you do not add the standard 'ge-' prefix. Therefore, the perfect tense is formed with 'haben' + 'empfangen' (e.g., 'Ich habe empfangen'). Many learners mistakenly say 'geempfangen', which is grammatically incorrect. Always remember the inseparable prefix rule.

Yes, it does. 'Empfangen' is a strong verb. In the second and third person singular of the present tense, the root vowel 'a' changes to an umlaut 'ä'. So, it is 'ich empfange', but 'du empfängst' and 'er/sie/es empfängt'. This is a very common pattern in German strong verbs and must be memorized to sound natural.

No, you cannot. While the root word 'fangen' means 'to catch', the prefixed verb 'empfangen' does not apply to physical sports or catching flying objects. If someone throws a ball to you, you use the verb 'fangen' (Ich fange den Ball). 'Empfangen' is reserved for receiving signals, guests, or formal items.

It is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'emp-' never detaches from the root verb 'fangen'. This means in a main clause, it stays together: 'Ich empfange den Gast' (not 'Ich fange den Gast emp'). This also dictates that the past participle does not take a 'ge-' prefix, remaining 'empfangen'.

It translates to 'to receive Wi-Fi'. In German, 'empfangen' is the standard verb used for electronic devices picking up signals, networks, or broadcasts. If you are in a cafe and your phone connects to the internet, your phone is 'WLAN am Empfangen'. If you have no service, you say 'Ich empfange kein Netz'.

In the hospitality industry, 'empfangen' is the professional term for welcoming and checking in guests. The reception desk is literally called 'der Empfang'. A receptionist might say, 'Wir freuen uns, Sie hier zu empfangen' (We are happy to welcome you here). It implies a structured, polite, and official greeting process.

The simple past form is 'empfing'. Because it is a strong verb, the root vowel changes from 'a' to 'i'. The full conjugation is: ich empfing, du empfingst, er empfing, wir empfingen, ihr empfingt, sie empfingen. This form is mostly used in written German, literature, and formal news reports.

Yes, in a biological and historical context, 'empfangen' means to conceive. You might read this in medical texts, historical literature, or religious contexts (like the Immaculate Conception - 'die unbefleckte Empfängnis'). The related noun 'Empfängnisverhütung' is the standard German word for contraception or birth control.

'Empfangen' is a transitive verb, which means it requires a direct object in the accusative case. You must always receive *something* or *someone*. For example, 'Ich empfange den Gast' (masculine accusative) or 'Wir empfangen das Signal' (neuter accusative). It never takes a dative object directly.

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