Dictionary
zupacken
German → American English
American English
grab
Etwas schnell und kräftig ergreifen; sich energisch einer Aufgabe widmen.
Er packte den Koffer fest zu und trug ihn nach oben.Zupacken is often used in the sense of grabbing something firmly or, figuratively, tackling a task with energy. In everyday German, it sounds more vivid than simple greifen or nehmen.
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Frequently asked questions
What does zupacken mean in English?
Zupacken means to grab, seize, or take hold of something firmly. In a figurative sense, it can also mean to tackle something energetically.
Is zupacken the same as greifen?
Not exactly. Greifen is more neutral and simply means to grasp or reach for something, while zupacken suggests a firmer, more forceful grab.
How do you use zupacken in a sentence?
Example: Er packte den Koffer schnell zu. In English: He grabbed the suitcase quickly.
Can zupacken be used figuratively?
Yes. It can mean to get to work or tackle a problem decisively, for example: Jetzt heißt es zupacken.