German · Common Verbs
Haben
To have
Beginnerverb
Definition
To possess or own.
Example
Ich habe Hunger und Durst.
I am hungry and thirsty.
Etymology
'Haben' comes from the Old High German 'habên', which means 'to have' and has cognates in other Germanic languages as well. The verb gained prominence as a fundamental auxiliary in German grammar.
How & Where It’s Used
'Haben' is widely used in both spoken and written German across all levels of formality. It is commonly found in social and academic contexts, particularly in discussions of possession and obligation.