Grasp German epitaph (4)
I believe the answer is:
grip
'grasp' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'german epitaph' is the wordplay.
'german' becomes 'g' (abbreviation).
'epitaph' becomes 'RIP' (rest in peace).
'g'+'rip'='GRIP'
(Other definitions for grip that I've seen before include "Grasp, clutch" , "Hold firmly; travelling bag" , "Clench" , "Secure" , "Catch" .)