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.
Handgriff m (strong, genitive Handgriffes or Handgriffs, plural Handgriffe)
| 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.
Compound of Hand (“hand”) + Griff (“grip”). Compare English handgrip.
Handgriff m (plural Handgriffe)