erfassen
Translation
to grasp, to comprehend, to record, to capture
Examples
Er erfasst die Situation schnell.
He grasps the situation quickly.
Die Daten werden digital erfasst.
The data is captured digitally.
Ein Schauer erfasste ihn.
A shudder seized him.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to grasp/record sth. He has grasped the core of the problem.
Similar Words
Synonyms: begreifen, verstehen, registrieren; Antonyms: miss, overlook
Etymology
Composed of 'er-' (a prefix indicating the successful completion of an action) and 'fassen' (to grasp). This combination implies a complete grasp, whether of a concept or of data.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'er-' adds a sense of finality to 'fassen' (to grasp). You're not just touching it, you're fully 'erfassen' it.