German function verbs or Funktionsverbgefüge are used along with nouns and other optional elements like articles or prepositions to form meaningful expressions together with a noun.
The function verbs refer to a special verb phrase construction common in German and many other languages in which a common or simple verb combines with a prepositional phrase that has an action noun or function noun.
Example in English: to be in contact
Example in German: in Verbindung sein
Funktionsverbgefüge List in German
Below is a list of some function verbs in German.
| German | English |
| ein Thema anschneiden | to bring up a matter or subject |
| etw. (Akk.) zum Stehen bringen | to bring sth. to a standstill |
| jdn. zum Stehen bringen | to bring sb. to a halt |
| in Bewegung bringen | to stimulate or move |
| Freude bereiten | to spark joy |
| zu Ende bringen | to bring to a close |
| Einblick in etw. haben | to see into something |
| Vertrauen setzen in (Akk.) | to put confidence in somebody or something |
| auf die Probe stellen | to put to the test |
| in Gang kommen | to get started |
| zu Stande kommen | to come about |
| etw. zum Anlass nehmen, etw. zu tun | to use sth. as an opportunity to do sth. |
| Rücksicht nehmen auf (Akk.) | to be considerate of sb. |
| unter Druck stehen | to be pressurized or be subject to pressure |
| in Erwägung ziehen | to anticipate |
| einen Beitrag zu etw. leisten | to make a contribution to sth. |
| an jdm./etw. Gefallen finden | to like/ appreciate / take pleasure in sb/sth |
| etw. (Akk.) zur Sprache bringen | to bring up something |
| eine Pflicht erfüllen | to fulfil a duty |
| Auskunft erteilen | to furnish particulars |
Now that you have learned some function verbs along with the nouns and their meanings, try forming sentences with them. Please answer in the comments below!
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