jagen in 30 Seconds
- Verb: jagen
- Meaning: to hunt, to chase
- Contexts: literal hunting, figurative pursuit, rapid movement
- CEFR: A2
- Definition
- The German verb 'jagen' primarily means 'to hunt'. This refers to the act of pursuing and killing wild animals, often for sport or for food. It can also be used figuratively to mean 'to chase' or 'to pursue something eagerly'.
- Literal Meaning
- In its most literal sense, 'jagen' is associated with activities like hunting for game in forests or fields. This could involve tracking animals, using weapons like rifles or bows, and the physical exertion involved in the pursuit. Historically, hunting was a vital source of sustenance and played a significant role in human survival and development.
- Figurative Meaning
- Beyond the literal act of hunting animals, 'jagen' is frequently used metaphorically. For instance, one might 'jagen' after a dream or a goal, meaning to pursue it with great determination and effort. It can also describe a rapid or urgent movement, like a storm that 'jagt' across the sky, or a person who is 'jagen' to catch a train. The sense of pursuit and eagerness is central to these figurative uses.
- Contexts of Use
- The word appears in various contexts. In discussions about wildlife, conservation, or outdoor activities, the literal meaning is prominent. In more general conversations, it might describe someone's ambition, a fast-paced event, or even a romantic pursuit. The context will typically clarify whether it's about actual hunting or a figurative chase.
Der Jäger beginnt, das Wild zu jagen.
Sie will ihren Traum mit aller Kraft jagen.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The verb 'jagen' follows the standard conjugation patterns for German verbs. In the present tense, it typically takes the form 'ich jage', 'du jagst', 'er/sie/es jagt', 'wir jagen', 'ihr jagt', 'sie/Sie jagen'. The past tense (Präteritum) is 'ich jagte', and the perfect tense (Perfekt) uses 'haben' as the auxiliary verb with the past participle 'gejagt': 'ich habe gejagt'.
- Literal Usage Examples
- In its literal sense, 'jagen' is often used with the direct object referring to the animal being hunted. For instance: 'Die Jäger jagen Hirsche im Wald.' (The hunters are hunting deer in the forest.) It can also be used intransitively, implying the act of hunting in general: 'Er liebt es, durch die Natur zu jagen.' (He loves to hunt through nature.) When referring to specific types of hunting, prepositions might be used, such as 'auf etwas jagen' (to hunt for something).
- Figurative Usage Examples
- Figuratively, 'jagen' describes a vigorous pursuit. 'Sie jagt dem Erfolg hinterher.' (She is chasing after success.) This usage often implies a sense of urgency or strong desire. Another common figurative use relates to speed or rapid movement: 'Der Wind jagte die Blätter über die Straße.' (The wind chased the leaves across the street.) In this case, it conveys a forceful, swift motion. It can also describe a rapid progression of time: 'Die Jahre jagen nur so dahin.' (The years are just flying by.)
- With Prepositional Objects
- While often used transitively or intransitively, 'jagen' can also be combined with prepositions to add nuance. For example, 'Er jagt nach Anerkennung.' (He is hunting for recognition.) Here, 'nach' indicates the object of the pursuit. 'Sie jagte durch die Stadt, um pünktlich zu sein.' (She rushed through the city to be on time.) Here, 'durch' specifies the area of movement.
- Compound Verbs and Related Forms
- 'Jagen' can form compound verbs, though these are less common than in some other verbs. More often, you will encounter related nouns like 'Jagd' (hunt, chase) or 'Jäger' (hunter). For example, 'Die Jagd war erfolgreich.' (The hunt was successful.) or 'Der Jäger ist gut vorbereitet.' (The hunter is well prepared.) Understanding these related words can also help in grasping the usage of 'jagen'.
Der Polizist jagte den Dieb über die Dächer.
Sie jagt nach einem neuen Rekord.
- Nature Documentaries and Wildlife Shows
- The most direct and common place to hear 'jagen' is in documentaries or television programs about wildlife. Narrators will often describe predators 'jagen' their prey, detailing the chase and the hunting strategies. You might hear phrases like: 'Der Löwe beginnt, die Gazelle zu jagen.' (The lion begins to hunt the gazelle.) or 'In dieser Region jagen Wölfe im Rudel.' (In this region, wolves hunt in packs.) This context emphasizes the literal meaning of pursuing and capturing animals.
- Discussions About Hunting and Sports
- In conversations or media related to hunting as a sport or a traditional practice, 'jagen' is frequently used. This could involve discussions about hunting seasons, regulations, or the ethics of hunting. For example: 'Er geht jedes Jahr auf die Jagd.' (He goes hunting every year.) or 'Die Jagd auf Wildschweine ist beliebt.' (Wild boar hunting is popular.) Here, the noun 'Jagd' is closely related and often used alongside the verb.
- Figurative Language in News and Media
- Figuratively, 'jagen' appears in various media contexts to describe rapid movement, intense pursuit, or a sense of urgency. News reports might cover a police chase: 'Die Polizei jagte den flüchtenden Verbrecher.' (The police chased the fleeing criminal.) or describe fast-paced events: 'Die Börsenkurse jagen nach oben.' (Stock market prices are soaring upwards.) This figurative use is widespread in everyday language and reporting.
- Literature and Storytelling
- In literature, 'jagen' can be used both literally in adventure stories or historical novels, and figuratively to describe emotional pursuits or internal struggles. A character might be described as 'jagen nach Glück' (chasing after happiness) or a dramatic scene might involve a literal chase where characters 'jagen' each other.
- Everyday Conversations
- In casual conversations, you might hear 'jagen' used to describe someone rushing: 'Ich muss los, ich jage den Bus!' (I have to go, I'm chasing the bus!). Or when talking about ambitious goals: 'Er jagt seinen beruflichen Zielen hinterher.' (He is pursuing his career goals.) The figurative meaning is quite common in informal settings to convey a sense of active pursuit or hurried movement.
In der Dokumentation wurde gezeigt, wie der Gepard seine Beute jagte.
Die Journalistin jagte der exklusiven Story nach.
- Confusing with 'verfolgen' (to pursue/follow)
- A common mistake for learners is to confuse 'jagen' with 'verfolgen'. While both can mean 'to pursue', 'jagen' often implies a more active, vigorous, and sometimes predatory chase, especially in its literal sense of hunting. 'Verfolgen' is more general and can simply mean to follow someone or something, or to pursue a goal without the same intensity or predatory connotation. For example, you would 'verfolgen' a scientific career, but you might 'jagen' a rumor if you're trying to uncover it aggressively. Using 'jagen' when 'verfolgen' is more appropriate can sound overly aggressive or even violent.
- Incorrect Conjugation
- Like many German verbs, 'jagen' has irregular forms in certain tenses and persons, particularly in the past tense. Forgetting to conjugate correctly can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, saying 'ich jagen' instead of 'ich jage' in the present tense is a basic grammatical error. Similarly, using the wrong auxiliary verb or past participle for the perfect tense (e.g., 'ich bin gejagt' instead of 'ich habe gejagt') is a common pitfall.
- Overuse in Figurative Contexts
- While 'jagen' is versatile figuratively, overusing it can make sentences sound too dramatic or intense. For example, saying 'Ich jage meine Hausaufgaben' (I'm hunting my homework) might sound a bit too aggressive for simply doing homework. In such cases, simpler verbs like 'machen' (to do) or 'erledigen' (to complete) might be more suitable. Learners should be mindful of the intensity conveyed by 'jagen' and choose alternatives when a less forceful expression is needed.
- Misinterpreting Literal vs. Figurative Meanings
- A significant challenge is distinguishing between the literal and figurative meanings. If a learner hears 'Sie jagt ihren Traum' (She is chasing her dream), they might mistakenly think it involves actual hunting. Conversely, if they hear about a hunter who 'jagt' an animal, they might try to apply a figurative meaning. Careful attention to the surrounding words and the overall context is crucial to avoid such misinterpretations.
- Using 'jagen' with the wrong preposition
- When 'jagen' is used with a prepositional object, choosing the wrong preposition can alter the meaning or sound unnatural. For instance, saying 'Er jagt nach Geld' (He is hunting for money) is correct, implying a strong pursuit. However, using a different preposition without proper understanding might lead to errors. It's important to learn common collocations and prepositional uses associated with 'jagen'.
Falsch: Der Mann verfolgt den Hasen. Richtig: Der Mann jagt den Hasen.
Falsch: Ich habe den Zug bin gejagt. Richtig: Ich habe den Zug habe gejagt.
- Verfolgen (to pursue, to follow)
- 'Verfolgen' is a very common alternative, especially in figurative contexts. It means to pursue something, to follow a path, or to chase a goal. It's less intense and less predatory than 'jagen'. You would 'verfolgen' a career, a plan, or a suspect in a police investigation. 'Jagen' is more about the active chase, often with a sense of urgency or prey. Example: 'Er verfolgt seine Ziele mit Geduld.' (He pursues his goals with patience.) vs. 'Er jagt nach Ruhm.' (He is hunting for fame - implies a more aggressive pursuit.)
- Nachlaufen (to run after, to pursue)
- 'Nachlaufen' specifically implies running after something or someone. It's often used for literal running, like chasing a bus or a ball. Figuratively, it can mean pursuing something, but it's more about the effort of running than the intensity of the hunt. Example: 'Die Kinder liefen dem Ball nach.' (The children ran after the ball.) 'Ich muss dem Bus nachlaufen.' (I have to run after the bus.) It's less common for abstract goals than 'verfolgen'.
- Streben nach (to strive for, to aspire to)
- 'Streben nach' is used for more noble or ambitious pursuits, often involving personal growth or achievement. It implies a strong desire and effort towards a higher goal, without the predatory or hurried connotation of 'jagen'. Example: 'Sie strebt nach Wissen.' (She strives for knowledge.) This is a good alternative for abstract goals where 'jagen' would be too strong.
- Eilen (to hurry, to rush)
- When 'jagen' is used figuratively to mean moving very quickly or being in a hurry, 'eilen' is a direct synonym. 'Eilen' focuses purely on the speed and urgency of movement. Example: 'Er eilte zur Arbeit.' (He hurried to work.) 'Sie jagte zur Tür.' (She rushed to the door.)
- Jagd (noun: hunt, chase)
- The noun 'Jagd' is intrinsically linked to the verb 'jagen'. It refers to the act of hunting or a chase. Often, when discussing the literal act of hunting, the noun is used. Example: 'Die Jagd beginnt im Morgengrauen.' (The hunt begins at dawn.) Figuratively, it can also mean a chase, like 'eine Jagd nach dem Ball' (a chase for the ball).
Jagen (literal hunting) vs. Verfolgen (general pursuit).
Jagen (intense chase) vs. Eilen (hurrying).
How Formal Is It?
"Die Expedition jagte nach seltenen Artefakten in den Ruinen."
"Der Hund jagt die Katze durch den Garten."
"Ich muss jetzt los, ich jage den Bus!"
"Der kleine Bär jagt den bunten Schmetterling."
"Er jagt die neuesten Trends im Internet."
Fun Fact
The Proto-Germanic root '*jākanan' is also distantly related to the English word 'yell', suggesting an ancient connection between the sounds of pursuit and vocalization.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'j' as in 'judge'.
- Pronouncing 'a' as in 'cat'.
- Pronouncing 'g' as in 'gem'.
Difficulty Rating
The core meaning of 'jagen' is straightforward for A2 learners. However, its figurative uses and idiomatic expressions can increase the difficulty for higher levels, requiring context to understand nuances.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Conjugation of regular verbs in present tense
Ich jage, du jagst, er/sie/es jagt, wir jagen, ihr jagt, sie/Sie jagen.
Use of auxiliary verb 'haben' for perfect tense
Ich habe gejagt. (I have hunted.)
Use of prepositions with verbs (e.g., 'nach' with 'jagen')
Er jagt nach Anerkennung. (He chases after recognition.)
Modal verbs with infinitive
Sie will den Rekord jagen. (She wants to chase the record.)
Past tense (Präteritum) conjugation
Ich jagte, du jagtest, er/sie/es jagte, wir jagten, ihr jagtet, sie/Sie jagten.
Examples by Level
Der Jäger jagt.
The hunter hunts.
Simple present tense, intransitive use.
Ich jage den Ball.
I chase the ball.
Present tense, transitive use with direct object.
Die Katze jagt die Maus.
The cat chases the mouse.
Present tense, transitive use.
Wir jagen nicht.
We do not hunt.
Negative sentence in present tense.
Er jagt gern.
He likes to hunt.
Using 'gern' to express liking an activity.
Sie jagte gestern.
She hunted yesterday.
Past tense (Präteritum).
Hast du gejagt?
Did you hunt?
Perfect tense (Perfekt) question.
Der Hund jagt den Vogel.
The dog chases the bird.
Present tense, transitive use.
Der Förster muss das Wild im Wald jagen.
The forest ranger must hunt the game in the forest.
Modal verb 'muss' with infinitive 'jagen'.
Sie jagt nach einem neuen Job.
She is chasing after a new job.
Figurative use with preposition 'nach'.
Die Kinder jagten lachend über die Wiese.
The children chased, laughing, across the meadow.
Adverb 'lachend' describing the manner of chasing.
Er hat gestern den ganzen Tag gejagt.
He hunted all day yesterday.
Perfect tense with duration 'den ganzen Tag'.
Die Zeit jagt schnell vorbei.
Time is flying by quickly.
Figurative use of time passing rapidly.
Wir jagen keine Schlangen.
We do not hunt snakes.
Negative sentence with specific object.
Der Polizist jagte den Verdächtigen.
The police officer chased the suspect.
Past tense (Präteritum) of a chase.
Sie will den Rekord jagen.
She wants to chase the record.
Modal verb 'will' (wollen) with infinitive 'jagen'.
Der erfahrene Jäger weiß genau, wo er das Wild jagen kann.
The experienced hunter knows exactly where he can hunt the game.
Subordinate clause introduced by 'wo'.
Sie jagt seit Jahren nach einer Lösung für dieses Problem.
She has been searching for a solution to this problem for years.
Present perfect with duration and preposition 'nach'.
Die Meldung, dass er Millionen gejagt hat, war eine Ente.
The report that he chased millions was a hoax.
Subordinate clause with past participle 'gejagt'.
Man muss Geduld haben, wenn man nach Erfolg jagt.
One must have patience when chasing success.
Impersonal 'man' and conditional clause with 'wenn'.
Der Wind jagte die Wolken schnell über den Himmel.
The wind chased the clouds quickly across the sky.
Figurative use describing rapid movement.
Früher jagte man im Winter mehr als heute.
In the past, people hunted more in winter than today.
Comparison using 'mehr als'.
Er jagte dem Glück hinterher, fand es aber nie.
He chased after happiness, but never found it.
Conjunction 'aber' connecting two clauses.
Die junge Journalistin jagt die Wahrheit hinter jeder Story her.
The young journalist chases the truth behind every story.
Figurative use with 'hinterherjagen'.
Die Debatte über die Jagd auf bedrohte Tierarten ist komplex und emotional aufgeladen.
The debate about hunting endangered species is complex and emotionally charged.
Use of noun 'Jagd' and adjective 'bedrohte'.
Er hat sich vorgenommen, seine finanziellen Ziele mit aller Macht zu jagen.
He has resolved to pursue his financial goals with all his might.
Reflexive verb 'sich vornehmen' and strong adverbial phrase.
Die Wirtschaftsmagazine jagen oft nach den neuesten Trends, um ihren Lesern einen Vorteil zu verschaffen.
Business magazines often chase after the latest trends to give their readers an advantage.
Figurative use with specific domain (business).
Man kann sagen, dass die moderne Gesellschaft unaufhörlich nach Fortschritt jagt.
One can say that modern society is incessantly chasing progress.
Impersonal 'man' and adverb 'unaufhörlich'.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft jagte den mutmaßlichen Täter über mehrere Kontinente hinweg.
The public prosecutor's office hunted the alleged perpetrator across several continents.
Figurative use of pursuit in law enforcement.
Obwohl sie die Prüfung nicht bestanden hat, jagt sie weiterhin nach einer akademischen Laufbahn.
Although she did not pass the exam, she continues to pursue an academic career.
Subordinating conjunction 'obwohl' and adverb 'weiterhin'.
Die Gerüchte, dass das Unternehmen kurz vor dem Bankrott stehe, jagten durch die Finanzwelt.
Rumors that the company was on the verge of bankruptcy spread like wildfire through the financial world.
Subordinate clause and figurative meaning of rapid spread.
Er hat seine ganze Jugend damit verbracht, dem perfekten Klangbild nachzujagen.
He spent his entire youth chasing after the perfect soundscape.
Verb phrase 'verbracht damit, nachjagen'.
Die ethische Dimension der Jagd auf Großwild in Afrika wirft tiefgreifende Fragen auf.
The ethical dimension of hunting big game in Africa raises profound questions.
Complex noun phrase and abstract concept.
In seiner Autobiografie beschreibt er, wie er sein Leben lang nach Anerkennung jagte, ohne sie je vollständig zu erlangen.
In his autobiography, he describes how he chased recognition his whole life without ever fully achieving it.
Subordinate clause, temporal phrase, and nuanced figurative meaning.
Die Medien jagen oft nach Sensationen, was die Qualität des Journalismus beeinträchtigen kann.
The media often chase after sensations, which can impair the quality of journalism.
Relative clause modifying 'Sensationen'.
Manche Philosophen argumentieren, dass der Mensch von Natur aus nach Erkenntnis jagt.
Some philosophers argue that humans are by nature driven to seek knowledge.
Abstract noun 'Erkenntnis' and idiomatic phrase 'von Natur aus'.
Die Jagd nach dem verlorenen Schatz war der Stoff, aus dem Abenteuerromane gemacht sind.
The hunt for the lost treasure was the stuff adventure novels are made of.
Figurative use of 'Stoff, aus dem ... gemacht sind'.
Er hat sich in seiner Karriere stets an der Spitze gehalten, indem er immer die neuesten Technologien jagte.
He has always maintained his position at the top of his career by always pursuing the latest technologies.
Gerundial construction implied by 'indem'.
Die Angst vor dem Scheitern jagt ihn seit Jahren, obwohl er objektiv betrachtet sehr erfolgreich ist.
The fear of failure has been haunting him for years, even though objectively he is very successful.
Adverbial clause of concession with 'obwohl'.
Die Archäologen jagten den Hinweisen auf eine vergessene Zivilisation mit fieberhafter Intensität nach.
The archaeologists pursued the clues to a forgotten civilization with feverish intensity.
Strong adverb 'fieberhafter Intensität'.
Die Romantik als literarische Strömung jagte oft nach dem Unerreichbaren, dem Unendlichen und dem Geheimnisvollen.
Romanticism as a literary movement often pursued the unattainable, the infinite, and the mysterious.
Abstract concepts and nuanced literary analysis.
In der Zeit des Kalten Krieges jagten die Geheimdienste einander mit beispielloser Vehemenz.
During the Cold War, intelligence agencies pursued each other with unprecedented vehemence.
Historical context and sophisticated vocabulary.
Die Suche nach dem 'heiligen Gral' der künstlichen Intelligenz treibt viele Forscher an, die unermüdlich nach neuen Durchbrüchen jagen.
The search for the 'holy grail' of artificial intelligence drives many researchers who tirelessly hunt for new breakthroughs.
Metaphorical 'heiliger Gral' and participle clause.
Die philosophische Suche nach dem Wesen der Wahrheit kann als ein ewiges Jagen nach einem flüchtigen Konzept betrachtet werden.
The philosophical search for the essence of truth can be viewed as an eternal pursuit of an elusive concept.
Abstract philosophical terms and nominalized infinitive.
Die geopolitischen Interessen jagen oft den kurzfristigen Profiten hinterher, was langfristige Stabilität gefährden kann.
Geopolitical interests often chase after short-term profits, which can endanger long-term stability.
Complex interplay of abstract entities and consequences.
Die Kunst der Improvisation erfordert die Fähigkeit, spontan auf musikalische Ideen zu jagen und diese weiterzuentwickeln.
The art of improvisation requires the ability to spontaneously chase musical ideas and develop them further.
Figurative use in a creative context.
Die Evolutionstheorie beschreibt einen ständigen Prozess, in dem Organismen nach besserer Anpassung jagen, um zu überleben.
Evolutionary theory describes a constant process in which organisms hunt for better adaptation in order to survive.
Scientific context and purpose clause.
Die kulturellen Strömungen des 21. Jahrhunderts jagen oft dem Neuen und Ungewöhnlichen hinterher, was zu einer schnellen Abfolge von Trends führt.
The cultural currents of the 21st century often chase after the new and unusual, leading to a rapid succession of trends.
Complex subject and consequence.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To let oneself be chased (often implies being pursued by someone or something that one cannot escape).
Er konnte sich nicht mehr vor seinen Problemen jagen lassen.
— Hunting and gathering (referring to early human subsistence strategies).
Früher lebten die Menschen vom Jagen und Sammeln.
— To chase after happiness.
Viele Menschen verbringen ihr Leben damit, dem Glück nachzujagen.
— To chase like crazy; to rush around frantically.
Er jagte wie ein Verrückter, um alles rechtzeitig zu erledigen.
— To chase through the night (literal or figurative).
Die Verfolgungsjagd jagte durch die dunkle Nacht.
— To chase after the last bit of money; to be desperate for money.
Sie waren so arm, dass sie nach dem letzten Geld jagten.
— As if chased by the devil; very quickly, frantically.
Er rannte die Straße herunter, wie vom Teufel gejagt.
— To chase after success.
Er jagt seit Jahren nach dem Erfolg in seiner Karriere.
— To chase and catch (often used in games).
Die Kinder spielten 'Jagen und Fangen' im Park.
Often Confused With
'Verfolgen' is a broader term for 'to pursue' or 'to follow'. 'Jagen' implies a more active, often intense or predatory chase, especially in its literal sense. You 'verfolgen' a career, but you 'jagen' a wild animal or a rumor aggressively.
'Nachlaufen' means to run after something, often implying a physical chase like running for a bus. 'Jagen' can include this, but also implies a more determined or forceful pursuit.
'Eilen' simply means to hurry. While 'jagen' can be used for hurrying (e.g., 'die Zeit jagt'), 'eilen' focuses purely on the speed of movement without the connotation of pursuit.
Idioms & Expressions
— To move or run extremely fast, as if being pursued by something terrible.
Er kam herein gerannt, wie vom Teufel gejagt.
Informal— To allow oneself to be pursued or harassed, often implying a lack of agency or an inability to escape a situation.
Sie ließ sich von ihren Sorgen nicht mehr jagen.
Neutral— To chase after every last cent; to be extremely focused on making money, often implying stinginess or desperation.
Er jagte nach dem letzten Pfennig und war nie zufrieden.
Informal— Time is flying by quickly; time is short.
Wir müssen uns beeilen, die Zeit jagt!
Neutral— Hunting and gathering; a term used to describe prehistoric subsistence methods.
Die frühen Menschen lebten vom Jagen und Sammeln.
Formal/Academic— To chase something futile or unattainable; to pursue something without success.
Seine Bemühungen, die Situation zu ändern, waren wie das Jagen nach dem Wind.
Formal— To make someone run around town unnecessarily, or to chase someone through the city (literal or figurative).
Der Chef jagte ihn heute durch die ganze Stadt für unwichtige Besorgungen.
Informal— To chase after a prodigal son; to try to bring back someone who has strayed.
Die Eltern jagten nach dem verlorenen Sohn, aber er wollte nicht zurückkehren.
Figurative/Biblical— To live a life as if constantly pursued; to live a life of stress, fear, or constant activity.
Seit dem Unfall führt er ein Leben wie gejagt.
Informal— To grasp at straws; to try anything, however unlikely, to save a desperate situation.
In seiner Not jagte er nach dem letzten Strohhalm.
FormalEasily Confused
Both verbs involve the idea of going after something.
'Jagen' usually implies a more intense, active, and sometimes predatory chase. It can be used for hunting animals or for a very determined pursuit of a goal or even a person (like a police chase). 'Verfolgen' is more general. It can mean to follow someone or something, to pursue a goal in a less intense way, or to carry out a plan. For abstract goals, 'verfolgen' is often the safer and more appropriate choice.
Der Detektiv jagte den Verdächtigen mit hoher Geschwindigkeit. (The detective chased the suspect at high speed.) vs. Der Detektiv verfolgt die Spur des Verdächtigen. (The detective is following the suspect's trail.)
Both can imply a fast or pressured movement.
'Jagen' can mean to chase or to move quickly. 'Hetzen' often implies being rushed, stressed, or even aggressively pursuing someone, sometimes with negative connotations. For example, 'Er jagt von Termin zu Termin' (He rushes from appointment to appointment) is neutral, but 'Er wird von seinen Gläubigern gehetzt' (He is hounded by his creditors) has a negative, stressful feel. 'Jagen' can be positive (chasing a dream) or neutral (chasing a ball), while 'hetzen' often suggests a lack of control or undue pressure.
Die Kinder jagten lachend über die Wiese. (The children chased, laughing, across the meadow.) vs. Er muss sich bei der Arbeit sehr hetzen. (He has to rush a lot at work.)
Both can describe quick movement.
'Eilen' specifically means to hurry or rush. It focuses on the speed of movement. 'Jagen' can also mean to hurry, especially in figurative contexts like 'die Zeit jagt' (time is flying). However, 'jagen' often retains a sense of pursuit or active chase, even when referring to speed. If you are simply moving fast, 'eilen' is often sufficient. If you are moving fast *towards* something or *away from* something in a pursuit, 'jagen' might be more fitting.
Ich muss eilen, um den Zug zu erwischen. (I have to hurry to catch the train.) vs. Er jagte dem Zug hinterher, aber er war zu spät. (He chased after the train, but he was too late.)
Both can relate to pursuing goals.
'Streben' (often with 'nach') means to strive for, aspire to, or aim for. It's typically used for more noble, ambitious, or abstract goals, implying a long-term effort and desire for improvement or achievement. 'Jagen' can also be used for pursuing goals, but it suggests a more active, intense, and sometimes aggressive chase. You would 'streben nach Wissen' (strive for knowledge) but you might 'jagen nach dem letzten Geld' (chase after the last bit of money).
Sie strebt nach künstlerischer Perfektion. (She strives for artistic perfection.) vs. Er jagt nach Ruhm und Anerkennung. (He chases after fame and recognition.)
Both 'jagen' and 'verfolgen' can mean to pursue.
'Jagen' often implies a more vigorous, active, and sometimes predatory chase. It's commonly used for hunting animals or for a very determined pursuit. 'Verfolgen' is a more general term for pursuit. It can mean to follow someone or something, to pursue a goal, or to carry out a plan. In the context of law enforcement, 'verfolgen' is often used for following a suspect or a trail, while 'jagen' might be used for a high-speed chase. For abstract goals like a career, 'verfolgen' is usually preferred over 'jagen'.
Die Polizei verfolgte den Flüchtenden durch die Gassen. (The police followed the fugitive through the alleys.) vs. Die Polizei jagte den fliehenden Verbrecher in ihrem Auto. (The police chased the fleeing criminal in their car.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + jagen + Object.
Der Hund jagt den Ball.
Subject + jagen + nach + Dativ.
Sie jagt nach einem neuen Job.
Subject + Modalverb + Object + jagen (infinitive).
Er will den Rekord jagen.
Subject + haben + Object + gejagt (Perfekt).
Wir haben das Wild gejagt.
Subject + jagen + Adverbial phrase.
Die Zeit jagt schnell vorbei.
Subordinate clause + Subject + jagen + ...
Obwohl er müde war, jagte er weiter.
Subject + jagen + wie + Noun.
Er rannte die Straße entlang wie gejagt.
Figurative use with complex objects/adverbials.
Die Medien jagen oft nach Sensationen.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common
-
Pronouncing 'j' as in 'judge'.
→
Pronouncing 'j' as in 'yes'.
The German 'j' sound is consistently like the English 'y' in 'yes'. Forgetting this leads to mispronunciation.
-
Using 'verfolgen' when 'jagen' is more appropriate for an intense chase.
→
Using 'jagen' for intense pursuit.
While 'verfolgen' means 'to pursue', 'jagen' implies a more active, vigorous, and sometimes predatory chase. For a high-speed chase or a determined pursuit, 'jagen' is often better.
-
Incorrect conjugation in perfect tense (e.g., using 'sein' instead of 'haben').
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Using 'haben' as the auxiliary verb: 'Ich habe gejagt.'
'Jagen' is a transitive verb (or used intransitively with a sense of action) and takes 'haben' for the perfect tense, not 'sein'.
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Using 'jagen' for simple searching or aspiring.
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Using 'suchen' for searching or 'streben nach' for aspiring.
'Jagen' implies an active, often urgent pursuit. For simply looking for something ('suchen') or aiming for a noble goal ('streben nach'), other verbs are more precise.
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Confusing the noun 'Jagd' with the verb 'jagen' in sentence structure.
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Using 'Jagd' as a noun and 'jagen' as a verb correctly.
Remember that 'Jagd' is the hunt/chase (noun), while 'jagen' is the act of hunting/chasing (verb). Sentence structure will differ accordingly.
Tips
Master the 'J' Sound
In German, the 'j' in 'jagen' sounds like the 'y' in 'yes'. Practice saying 'Yah-gen' to get the pronunciation right. Avoid pronouncing it like the 'j' in 'judge'.
Distinguish Literal and Figurative
Pay close attention to context. 'Jagen' literally means to hunt animals. Figuratively, it means to chase something intensely. Understanding the context will help you interpret the meaning correctly.
Learn Related Words
Learn the noun 'Jagd' (hunt/chase) and the noun 'Jäger' (hunter). These words are closely related and will help you understand the concept of 'jagen' more deeply.
Perfect Tense Formation
Remember that 'jagen' forms its perfect tense with 'haben' and the past participle 'gejagt'. So, 'I hunted' is 'Ich habe gejagt'.
Hear it in Action
Watch nature documentaries or films about hunting in German. This will expose you to the literal use of 'jagen' in a natural context.
Intense Pursuit
When using 'jagen' figuratively, think 'intense pursuit' or 'frantic chase'. It's stronger than simply 'following' or 'seeking'.
Know When to Use 'Verfolgen'
For general pursuit of goals or following suspects, 'verfolgen' is often a more neutral and appropriate choice than the more intense 'jagen'.
Idiomatic Expressions
Be aware of idioms like 'wie vom Teufel gejagt' (running extremely fast) and 'die Zeit jagt' (time is flying) to understand common figurative uses.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using 'jagen' in both literal and figurative contexts. Try to use it with different subjects and objects to practice conjugation.
Cultural Significance
Understand that 'Jäger' (hunter) is a significant figure in German culture, appearing in folklore and literature, which adds a layer of cultural context to the word.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a hunter (Jäger) saying 'Yah!' as he excitedly chases an animal. The 'Yah!' sound is similar to the beginning of 'jagen'. Think of the hunter actively pursuing his prey.
Visual Association
Picture a powerful eagle (Jäger) soaring and then diving down to 'jagen' (chase) its prey in the vast landscape. The dynamic movement of the eagle visually represents the action of 'jagen'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'jagen' in five different sentences today, two literal and three figurative. For example: 'Der Hund jagt den Ball.' and 'Sie jagt ihren Träumen hinterher.'
Word Origin
The German word 'jagen' originates from the Old High German word 'jâgon', which itself derives from the Proto-Germanic '*jākanan'. This root is related to words in other Germanic languages that also denote hunting or chasing.
Original meaning: The original meaning was 'to hunt', 'to pursue', or 'to chase'. The concept of actively seeking and pursuing prey or quarry is ancient.
Indo-European, Germanic branch.Cultural Context
When discussing hunting, especially in a literal context, be mindful of differing opinions on animal welfare and conservation. The figurative use of 'jagen' is generally less sensitive.
In English-speaking cultures, hunting also has a long history, often associated with sport, tradition, and survival. The word 'hunt' carries similar literal and figurative meanings to 'jagen'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Talking about animals and nature
- Wild jagen
- auf die Jagd gehen
- das Tier jagen
Describing strong desires or ambitions
- nach Erfolg jagen
- einen Traum jagen
- nach Anerkennung jagen
Talking about fast movement or being in a hurry
- die Zeit jagt
- wie vom Teufel gejagt
- durch die Stadt jagen
Discussing sports or competitions
- einen Rekord jagen
- dem Ball nachjagen
Figurative pursuits in news or stories
- die Wahrheit jagen
- den Feind jagen
- nach Geld jagen
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever seen a nature documentary where animals were hunting?"
"If you could chase any dream, what would it be and why?"
"Do you think people should 'jagen' (hunt) for sport, or should it be only for food?"
"What's the fastest you've ever run, like you were 'gejagt' (chased)?"
"If time was 'jagend' (flying by), what would you do differently?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you felt like you were 'jagen' (chasing) a goal with all your might. What was it, and how did it feel?
Write about a fictional character who is a 'Jäger' (hunter). What are their motivations and challenges?
Imagine a world where 'jagen' (hunting) was forbidden. How would society change?
Reflect on something you are currently 'jagen' (pursuing) in your life. Is it a tangible goal or an abstract concept?
Describe a dream or a nightmare where you were being 'gejagt' (chased). What were the emotions and imagery involved?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe main difference lies in intensity and connotation. 'Jagen' typically implies a more active, vigorous, and sometimes predatory chase, especially in its literal sense of hunting animals. It can also describe a very determined pursuit of goals. 'Verfolgen' is a more general term for pursuing or following something, whether it's a goal, a suspect, or a path. For abstract goals, 'verfolgen' is often more appropriate.
Yes, absolutely. 'Jagen' is frequently used figuratively. You can 'jagen nach Erfolg' (chase after success), 'jagen einem Traum hinterher' (chase after a dream), or even describe rapid movement like 'die Zeit jagt' (time is flying). The key is the sense of active pursuit or rapid movement.
No, while its primary literal meaning is to hunt animals, it is very commonly used figuratively. The figurative meanings often revolve around intense pursuit, rapid movement, or a strong drive towards something.
The past participle of 'jagen' is 'gejagt'. It is used with the auxiliary verb 'haben' to form the perfect tense. For example: 'Ich habe gejagt.' (I have hunted.)
You can say 'den Bus jagen' or 'dem Bus nachjagen'. 'Den Bus jagen' implies a more direct and energetic chase, while 'dem Bus nachjagen' emphasizes running after it. Both are understandable.
'Eilen' means to hurry or rush, focusing purely on speed. 'Jagen' can also imply speed, but it often carries a connotation of pursuit or chase, even in figurative contexts like 'die Zeit jagt' (time is flying).
Yes, 'jagen' can be a strong word, especially in its literal sense of hunting, which implies a decisive action. Figuratively, it suggests a determined and energetic pursuit, often more intense than simple 'following' or 'striving'.
The most common related nouns are 'die Jagd' (the hunt, the chase) and 'der Jäger' (the hunter). You might also encounter 'der Gejagte' (the one being hunted/chased).
Yes. While it can describe a determined pursuit of positive goals, it can also be used negatively, for example, 'nach Geld jagen' (chasing after money) can imply greed, or 'wie vom Teufel gejagt' (as if chased by the devil) describes frantic, possibly fearful, movement.
You can say 'nach Hinweisen jagen' or 'nach Hinweisen suchen'. 'Jagen' implies a more active and urgent search for clues.
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Summary
The German verb 'jagen' means 'to hunt' in its literal sense, referring to the pursuit and killing of wild animals. It is also frequently used figuratively to describe an intense chase or pursuit of goals, ambitions, or even abstract concepts, conveying a sense of urgency and strong determination.
- Verb: jagen
- Meaning: to hunt, to chase
- Contexts: literal hunting, figurative pursuit, rapid movement
- CEFR: A2
Master the 'J' Sound
In German, the 'j' in 'jagen' sounds like the 'y' in 'yes'. Practice saying 'Yah-gen' to get the pronunciation right. Avoid pronouncing it like the 'j' in 'judge'.
Distinguish Literal and Figurative
Pay close attention to context. 'Jagen' literally means to hunt animals. Figuratively, it means to chase something intensely. Understanding the context will help you interpret the meaning correctly.
Learn Related Words
Learn the noun 'Jagd' (hunt/chase) and the noun 'Jäger' (hunter). These words are closely related and will help you understand the concept of 'jagen' more deeply.
Perfect Tense Formation
Remember that 'jagen' forms its perfect tense with 'haben' and the past participle 'gejagt'. So, 'I hunted' is 'Ich habe gejagt'.
Example
In diesem Wald ist das Jagen verboten.
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