In German
verstehen
Meaning: to understand
Formal or informal? “Verstehen” means to understand. Use it for understanding people and ideas, and “begreifen” for grasping a deeper idea.
Example sentences
Ichverstehedich.
I understand you.
Verstehstdudas?
Do you understand that?
ErverstehtkeinDeutsch.
He doesn't understand any German.
Grammar note
Regular endings: ich verstehe, du verstehst, er versteht, wir verstehen. “Ver-” is an inseparable prefix, so the stress stays on “stehen”, and the past participle is “verstanden”, with no “ge-”.
Common mistake
Don't add “ge-” to make the participle. It's “verstanden”, not “geverstanden”, because “ver-” is an inseparable prefix.
Quick check
Which form is correct for “I understand” (ich)?
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Why is the past participle “verstanden” and not “geverstanden”?
“Ver-” is an inseparable prefix, so the participle doesn't take “ge-”.
How do you say “I don't understand” in German?
“Ich verstehe nicht”, with “nicht” after the verb.