ergriffst

Ergriffst is the second-person singular preterite form of the German verb ergreifen, meaning to seize or grasp. In narrative or report language, the form is used when the subject is you (du) and the action is presented as completed in the past. The corresponding present tense forms are ergreife (ich), ergreifst (du), ergreift (er).

Ergreifen is formed with the root greifen (to grasp) with the prefix er-, which can indicate completion, attainment, or a sense of initiating an action. The verb can be used literally, as in grabbing an object, or figuratively, as in seizing an opportunity (eine Chance ergreifen) or being emotionally moved (von einer Rede ergriffen). The past participle of ergreifen is ergriffen, used with haben to form perfect tenses: ich habe ergriffen, du hast ergriffen, er hat ergriffen.

In usage, ergriffst appears primarily in past-tense narration or reported speech. For example: "Du ergriffst die Gelegenheit, als sie sich bot." or "Du ergriffst seine Hand und folgtest ihm." The verb often contrasts with simpler verbs like greifen or nehmen, supplying a nuance of decisive action or strong impetus.

Grammatical notes: the verb ergreifen is irregular in the preterite (er griff, du ergriffst, er ergriff). The base infinitive remains ergreifen, with past forms and participles showing the characteristic er- prefix and irregular stem change. As with many German verbs, usage patterns vary by register, with ergreifen appearing more in written or formal contexts when describing decisive or emotionally charged action.

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