TOPIC · Verbs (Verben)

Distinguishing the meaning of the verb ziehen with prefixes

B1B2

After this lesson, learners will be able to distinguish the different meanings of the verb "ziehen" and its prefixes.

The Verb "ziehen" in German

The German verb ziehen fundamentally means to pull or to draw. However, it can take on different meanings when combined with various prefixes.

Basic Meaning of "ziehen"

The verb often describes physical movements or actions of pulling.

Examples:

  • Er zog am Seil.
    (He pulled at the rope.)
  • Die Katze zieht am Faden.
    (The cat pulls on the thread.)

Prefixes with "ziehen"

Here are some common prefixes along with their meanings:

PrefixMeaningExample
ausziehento move out of a place, to removeSie sind aus der Wohnung ausgezogen.
(They moved out of the apartment.)
einziehento move in, to enter a placeDie neuen Nachbarn sind eben eingezogen.
(The new neighbors just moved in.)
umziehento move to a new residenceWir sind letztes Jahr umgezogen.
(We moved last year.)
anziehento attract or pull onDie Ausstellung zieht viele Besucher an.
(The exhibition attracts many visitors.)
abziehento remove or take offEr zieht die Folie ab.
(He takes the film off.)
runterziehento pull down or let downLass dich nicht runterziehen!
(Don't let it get you down!)
hochziehento pull up or raiseSie zieht das Fenster hoch.
(She pulls the window up.)
aufziehento open or extendZieh die Vorhänge auf!
(Open the curtains!)
zuziehento close or tightenZieh die Tür zu!
(Close the door!)
verziehento disappear or changeDer Nebel hat sich verzogen.
(The fog has disappeared.)
herziehento pull towards or drag alongSie zieht ihren Koffer her.
(She pulls her suitcase along.)
hinziehento move to a different locationSie sind ins neue Haus hingezogen.
(They moved to the new house.)

Conclusion

The meanings of the various forms of the verb "ziehen" are diverse. The correct prefix can greatly alter the meaning. It is important to learn the differences to apply them effectively in German.