Nehmen and mitnehmen are related German verbs that both involve the idea of taking something, but they differ in focus: nehmen simply means “to take,” while mitnehmen means “to take along” or “to take with (someone).” Understanding their forms and usage helps you use them correctly in context.
Conjugations
Here are the present tense and past participle forms for nehmen and mitnehmen:
| Pronoun | Nehmen (to take) | Mitnehmen (to take along) |
|---|---|---|
| ich | nehme | nehme mit |
| du | nimmst | nimmst mit |
| er/sie/es | nimmt | nimmt mit |
| wir | nehmen | nehmen mit |
| ihr | nehmt | nehmt mit |
| sie/Sie | nehmen | nehmen mit |
| Partizip Perfekt | genommen | mitgenommen |
Note: Mitnehmen adds the separable prefix mit-, which goes to the end of the clause in present and simple past (Präteritum) tenses.
Usage and Examples
Nehmen (to take)
- Meaning: to take something; can be used in many contexts, including taking objects, transportation, or choosing something.
- Examples:
- Ich nehme den Apfel. (I take the apple.)
- Nimmst du den Bus? (Are you taking the bus?)
- Nehmen Sie Zucker? (Do you take sugar?)
Mitnehmen (to take along, to take with)
- Meaning: to take something/someone along with you; emphasizes accompanying someone or moving something along to another place.
- Examples:
- Ich nehme den Apfel mit. (I take the apple with me.)
- Nimmst du deinen Bruder mit? (Are you taking your brother along?)
- Wir nehmen Sandwiches mit. (We’re taking sandwiches along.)
Using Mitnehmen Correctly
- Often used when you take something away from the current place to another.
- Common in contexts like:
- Taking food “to go” (Essen zum Mitnehmen)
- Bringing someone along on a trip
- Carrying items with you
Context Comparison
| Situation | German Example (nehmen) | German Example (mitnehmen) | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taking an object at the moment | Ich nehme den Apfel. | — | I take the apple. |
| Taking something along when leaving | — | Ich nehme den Apfel mit. | I take the apple with me. |
| Taking public transport | Ich nehme den Bus. | — | I take the bus. |
| Bringing someone on a trip | — | Ich nehme meinen Bruder mit. | I take my brother along. |
Summary
- Nehmen = to take
- Mitnehmen = to take along / take with you
- Use nehmen for the simple act of taking.
- Use mitnehmen when something/someone is being taken away or along to another place.
You now know how to conjugate and use both Verbs in everyday German situations.
Flashcards (1 of 4)
- Situation: Taking an object at the moment
- English Example: I take the apple.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
