Handgriff

German

Etymology

Modern meanings since the 16th century. From Middle High German *hantgrif (only attested as hantgrift f (“the laying on of hands”)), from (Old High German hantgrif m (“handful, handgrip”), from Proto-West Germanic *handugripi (“handgrip”). Equivalent to Hand +‎ Griff.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈhantˌɡʁɪf/
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

Handgriff m (strong, genitive Handgriffes or Handgriffs, plural Handgriffe)

  1. handgrip

Declension

Declension of Handgriff [masculine, strong]
singular plural
indef. def. noun def. noun
nominative ein der Handgriff die Handgriffe
genitive eines des Handgriffes, Handgriffs der Handgriffe
dative einem dem Handgriff, Handgriffe1 den Handgriffen
accusative einen den Handgriff die Handgriffe

1Now rare, see notes.

Further reading

  • “Handgriff” in Duden online
  • “Handgriff” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache

Pennsylvania German

Etymology

Compound of Hand (“hand”) +‎ Griff (“grip”). Compare English handgrip.

Noun

Handgriff m (plural Handgriffe)

  1. grip (of a hand)
  2. handle
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