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verstehen

understand

verb fer-SHTAY-en Common
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Usage Note

verstehen is inseparable, so it stays whole: Ich verstehe das nicht. The reflexive sich verstehen mit means 'to get along with someone', and Verstehst du? is the everyday 'Do you get it?'. The related noun is das Verständnis ('comprehension').

Examples

"Ich verstehe die Frage nicht."

Natural Translation

I don't understand the question.

Literal Translation

I understand the question not.

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