In 15 Seconds
- To officially receive a person, package, or award.
- More formal and intentional than the simple word 'bekommen'.
- Used for physical hand-overs and greeting arriving guests.
Meaning
It describes the act of officially receiving or greeting something or someone, usually involving a physical hand-over or a formal arrival.
Key Examples
3 of 6Accepting a delivery
Der Nachbar hat das Paket für mich in Empfang genommen.
The neighbor received the package for me.
Greeting a friend at the airport
Ich werde dich direkt am Gate in Empfang nehmen!
I will receive you right at the gate!
Accepting a prestigious award
Die Autorin nahm den Literaturpreis sichtlich gerührt in Empfang.
The author received the literature prize, clearly moved.
Cultural Background
Taking a package 'in Empfang' for a neighbor is a standard social expectation in apartment buildings. It's often accompanied by a small note (Benachrichtigungskarte) left by the courier. In Austrian formal culture, especially in Vienna, the 'Empfang' of guests can be even more ritualized, often involving specific titles (Herr Magister, Frau Doktor). Swiss business culture values punctuality in the 'Inempfangnahme' of goods. Being late to receive a delivery is seen as very unprofessional. The 'Empfang' (Reception) is considered the 'Visitenkarte' (business card) of a company. How a visitor is 'in Empfang genommen' reflects the company's values.
Use it in Emails
When confirming you will be there for a delivery, write: 'Ich werde die Sendung persönlich in Empfang nehmen.' It sounds very professional.
Don't use 'im'
It's always 'in Empfang', never 'im Empfang'. 'Im' would mean 'inside the reception area', which is a different meaning.
In 15 Seconds
- To officially receive a person, package, or award.
- More formal and intentional than the simple word 'bekommen'.
- Used for physical hand-overs and greeting arriving guests.
What It Means
Imagine you are not just 'getting' something by accident. You are standing there, ready and waiting to accept it. That is in Empfang nehmen. It turns a simple action into a small event. It is a 'Nomen-Verb-Verbindung,' which is a fancy German way of saying a noun and verb that live together. It sounds much more professional than just saying bekommen.
How To Use It
You only need to conjugate the verb nehmen. The part in Empfang stays exactly the same every time. You usually put the object you are receiving right before the word in. For example, Ich nehme den Brief in Empfang. If you are talking about the past, you say hat in Empfang genommen. It is a bit like a dance between the words. You are the host, and the object is your guest.
When To Use It
Use this when there is a bit of ceremony involved. It is perfect for when a courier brings a package to your door. It is also great for meeting someone at the airport or a train station. If you win an award, you definitely nehmen it in Empfang. It works well in business meetings when you greet a client at the entrance. It shows you are being attentive and polite.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for abstract things or digital items. You do not in Empfang nehmen an email or a text message. That sounds like you are wearing a suit to sit on your sofa. Also, do not use it for catching a cold or getting a bad grade. It implies a conscious, usually positive or neutral, physical acceptance. If it is purely digital or accidental, stick to bekommen or erhalten.
Cultural Background
Germans love a good process. This phrase reflects the cultural value of 'Ordnung' and proper protocol. Even receiving a package can feel like a small official act. It comes from the world of hotels and grand estates where a 'reception' was a specific place. By using this phrase, you are acknowledging the importance of the hand-over. It makes the person giving you something feel respected.
Common Variations
You will often see the shorter verb empfangen. This is a bit more personal and less 'official' than the full phrase. You might also hear about the Empfang at a hotel, which is the reception desk. If you are at a party, the host might give a Sektempfang, which is a reception with sparkling wine. Just remember that in Empfang nehmen is the specific action of taking something into your care.
Usage Notes
This is a high-frequency B1-level phrase. It is mostly used in professional or semi-formal contexts, but can be used ironically in casual speech.
Use it in Emails
When confirming you will be there for a delivery, write: 'Ich werde die Sendung persönlich in Empfang nehmen.' It sounds very professional.
Don't use 'im'
It's always 'in Empfang', never 'im Empfang'. 'Im' would mean 'inside the reception area', which is a different meaning.
The Neighbor Rule
In Germany, if you take a package in Empfang for a neighbor, you are responsible for it until they pick it up. Don't lose it!
Examples
6Der Nachbar hat das Paket für mich in Empfang genommen.
The neighbor received the package for me.
This is the most common everyday use for the phrase.
Ich werde dich direkt am Gate in Empfang nehmen!
I will receive you right at the gate!
Using it with friends adds a warm, welcoming touch.
Die Autorin nahm den Literaturpreis sichtlich gerührt in Empfang.
The author received the literature prize, clearly moved.
Perfect for formal ceremonies and public honors.
Ich stehe schon an der Tür, um die Pizza in Empfang zu nehmen.
I'm already at the door to receive the pizza.
Using formal language for pizza is a classic German joke.
Er nahm sein Kind nach der Geburt behutsam in Empfang.
He gently received his child after the birth.
Here it implies a deep sense of responsibility and care.
Unser Team wird Sie im Foyer in Empfang nehmen.
Our team will receive you in the foyer.
Standard phrase for corporate hospitality.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing parts of the phrase 'in Empfang nehmen'.
Der Nachbar hat das Paket für mich ___ _______ ______.
The sentence is in the perfect tense, so we need 'in Empfang' + the past participle 'genommen'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a business setting?
You are meeting a client at the airport.
'In Empfang nehmen' is the most professional and formal way to describe greeting a client.
Complete the dialogue between a courier and a receptionist.
Kurier: 'Ich habe hier eine wichtige Lieferung.' Rezeptionistin: 'Guten Tag. Ich kann die Lieferung gerne für die Firma ___ _______ ______.'
After 'kann' (modal verb), we need the infinitive form at the end of the sentence.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
1. 'Er nahm die Goldmedaille in Empfang.' 2. 'Wir nehmen die neuen Schüler in Empfang.'
Medals are received at sports events; students are welcomed at school.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal Receiving
Common Objects
Logistics
- • Paket
- • Sendung
- • Lieferung
Social
- • Besucher
- • Gäste
- • Kunden
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer Nachbar hat das Paket für mich ___ _______ ______.
The sentence is in the perfect tense, so we need 'in Empfang' + the past participle 'genommen'.
You are meeting a client at the airport.
'In Empfang nehmen' is the most professional and formal way to describe greeting a client.
Kurier: 'Ich habe hier eine wichtige Lieferung.' Rezeptionistin: 'Guten Tag. Ich kann die Lieferung gerne für die Firma ___ _______ ______.'
After 'kann' (modal verb), we need the infinitive form at the end of the sentence.
1. 'Er nahm die Goldmedaille in Empfang.' 2. 'Wir nehmen die neuen Schüler in Empfang.'
Medals are received at sports events; students are welcomed at school.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for emails use 'erhalten' or 'bekommen'. 'In Empfang nehmen' is for physical things or people.
It is always 'in Empfang'.
You can, but it sounds like you are being a bit funny or acting like a chauffeur. It's very formal.
The noun form is {die|f} Inempfangnahme, but it is only used in very formal legal or business texts.
No, for phone calls use 'entgegennehmen' or just 'abheben'.
Usually yes, but the police can also 'take a suspect in Empfang' at a border, which isn't very positive for the suspect!
'Abholen' means you go to the thing. 'In Empfang nehmen' means the thing comes to you and you receive it.
Yes: 'Ich nahm es in Empfang' or 'Ich habe es in Empfang genommen'.
Yes, it is standard High German used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Usually, it implies a human action, but a robot at a reception desk could technically do it.
Related Phrases
entgegennehmen
synonymTo accept/receive formally
abholen
similarTo pick up
willkommen heißen
similarTo bid welcome
übernehmen
builds onTo take over
quittieren
specialized formTo sign for/acknowledge receipt
