English–German

“explain” in German

German

Alsodarlegen · aufklären · erläutern

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈklɛːʁən/

Example

Ich erkläre dir das kurz.

I'll briefly explain it to you.

Illustration for erklären (explain)

How to say “explain” in German

“Explain” in German is erklären.

A listener receives the missing links between facts and reasons until the matter is clear, while a speaker can also make a formal pronouncement.

Full entry for erklären: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with erklären

Kannst du mir den Unterschied erklären?

Can you explain the difference to me?

Tips for using erklären

  • The usual pattern is jemandem etwas erklären, with the person in the dative and the matter in the accusative.

Other German words for “explain”

Er legt seine Meinung dar.

He explains his opinion.

Er klärt die Situation auf.

He is explaining the situation.

Der Lehrer erläuterte die Aufgabe.

The teacher explained the assignment.

“explain” in other languages