herzergreifend

deeply touching, heart-gripping

adjective HERTS-er-grye-fend Rare

Usage Note

herzergreifend describes something that seizes the heart with emotion — a powerful speech, a farewell, music. Ein herzergreifendes Wiedersehen — a heart-gripping reunion. Stronger and more literary than rührend (touching).

Examples

"Die herzergreifende Rede der Mutter brachte alle Anwesenden zum Weinen."

Natural Translation

The mother's deeply moving speech made everyone present cry.

Literal Translation

The heart-gripping speech of the mother brought all those present to crying.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Modal Particles: doch, mal, ja, eben

German modal particles doch, mal, ja, and eben add attitude, not meaning. Before/after examples show how to use each one so your German stops sounding stiff.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Numbers 1–100: Why 21 Is Said Backwards

German numbers 1 to 100 reverse the digits: 21 is einundzwanzig (one-and-twenty). Learn the und rule, the irregulars, and how to hear prices fast.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Word Order: The Verb Rules That Trip You Up

German word order comes down to three verb-position rules: the verb is second in main clauses, last after weil and dass, and time comes before place.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Weil vs Denn vs Da: "Because" in German

Weil and da send the verb to the end; denn keeps it in second position. Here's how to pick the right German "because" and place the verb correctly.

June 5, 2026 6 min read