knüpft

Knüpft is the third-person singular present tense form of the German verb knüpfen. The verb knüpfen means to tie a knot, to fasten with a knot, or to connect or link things by knotting. Metaphorically, it is used to describe forming relationships, networks, or ties between people, groups, or ideas.

The term derives from Old and Middle High German forms of knüpfen, related to the noun Knoten (knot). The exact historical development is debated, but the core sense of tying or linking through knots has remained central in the modern meaning.

In usage, knüpfen appears both in literal and figurative contexts. For example, Er knüpft ein Seil. translates to “He ties a rope.” In everyday language, the phrase Kontakte knüpfen is common and means “to establish contacts.” Other examples include knüpfen von Netzen or the broader sense of connecting or fastening components.

Grammatically, knüpfen is conjugated like a regular verb in many forms. The present tense forms include ich knüpfe, du knüpfst, er knüpft, wir knüpfen, ihr knüpft, sie knüpfen. The simple past is knüpfte, the present participle knüpfend, and the past participle geknüpft, used with haben in perfect constructions (z. B. hat geknüpft).

Related terms include die Knüpfung (the act or result of knotting or linking), der Knoten (knot), and verknüpfen (to connect or link in a broader sense). The word knüpft sits at the intersection of physical knotting and metaphorical networking, reflecting its versatility in German to describe both tangible and social connections.