packen
Translation
to pack, to grab, to seize, to grip
Examples
Ich muss noch meinen Koffer packen.
I still have to pack my suitcase.
Er packte mich am Arm.
He grabbed me by the arm.
Der Film hat mich total gepackt.
The film totally gripped me.
Wir haben es gepackt!
We did it!
Grammar Patterns
((sth.acc)) to pack sth. She is packing her bag.
((sb.acc)) ((by sth.dat)) to grab sb. by sth. The mother grabbed the child by the hand.
((sb.acc)) to grip/captivate sb. The story gripped me.
Similar Words
Synonyms: einpacken (for packing); greifen (for grabbing)
Etymology
Related to the English word 'pack'. Both likely come from a Middle Dutch or Middle Low German root.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'packing' a bag. The same word is used for 'grabbing' something, as if you're packing it into your hand.