abfängt

Abfangen (infinitiv abfangen, Partizip II abgefangen) is a German verb meaning to intercept, catch, or seize something in transit, often before it reaches its intended recipient. The third-person singular present form is written as fängt ab, because abfängen is a separable-prefix verb: the prefix ab is separated from fangen in simple present constructions. The infinitive form is abzufangen, and the past participle is abgefangen. In dictionaries the base form is abfangen, with tag-by-tag inflections shown.

Usage and contexts

Abfangen is used in a variety of contexts. In military and aviation, it describes intercepting an aircraft or missile, for example: Die Abfangjäger fangen das feindliche Flugzeug ab. In sports, a defender may intercept a pass or ball: Der Verteidiger fängt den Pass ab. In communications and electronics, abfangen refers to intercepting a transmission or signal, such as ein Funksignal abzufangen, often before it reaches its intended recipient. In law enforcement or intelligence contexts, the term can describe intercepting communications or data, for example beim Abhören oder Abfangen von Mobiltelefonaten or Funkverkehr.

Linguistic notes

As a separable-prefix verb, abfangen behaves with the prefix ab at the end of main-clause sentences: Die Jäger fangen das Flugzeug ab. In subordinate clauses or with infinitives, the form changes accordingly: abgefangen (past), abzuhören or abzufangen (infinitives). The term is widely used across technical, military, and everyday language to denote interception or catching something en route.