ergreifen
Translation
to seize, to grasp, to take (measures), to move (emotionally)
Examples
Er ergriff die Gelegenheit.
He seized the opportunity.
Die Polizei ergriff den Dieb.
The police caught the thief.
Wir müssen Maßnahmen ergreifen.
We have to take measures.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to seize, grasp (sth.) She ergriff his arm to stop him.
((sb.)) to catch, apprehend (sb.) The police finally ergriffen the suspect.
((sth.)) to take (sth., e.g., measures) We must ergreifen action immediately.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fassen, packen, nutzen
Etymology
From the prefix 'er-' (indicating beginning or completion) + 'greifen' (to grip, to grab).
Memory Tips
Think of 'gripping' something firmly. It can be a physical object (a thief) or an abstract concept (an opportunity, a measure).