handeln
Translation
to act, to trade, to deal, to be about
Examples
Sie handelten schnell und entschlossen.
They acted quickly and decisively.
Er handelt mit seltenen Büchern.
He deals in rare books.
Der Film handelt von einer wahren Geschichte.
The movie is about a true story.
Es handelt sich um ein Missverständnis.
It's a misunderstanding.
Grammar Patterns
to act We must act now.
to deal in ((sth.)) He deals in cars.
to be about ((sth.)) The book is about an adventure.
es handelt sich um ((sth.)) it is ((sth.)) It is a problem.
Similar Words
Synonyms: agieren, tätig sein (to act); Geschäfte machen (to do business)
Etymology
Comes from 'Hand' (hand). It signifies doing something with one's hands, which extends to acting or trading.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'handle'. To 'handeln' is to 'handle' a task by acting or to 'handle' commerce by trading.