German Conversation · Level 71
60 words
German word
Erfindung
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈfɪndʊŋ/
Meaning
- feminine nouninvention
Example
Viele Erfindungen entstehen aus Not.
Many inventions arise out of necessity.
More examples
Er kam auf eine Erfindung, die Energie spart.
He came up with an invention that saves energy.
Core concept
A new creation that turns an idea into a practical object or an invented account.
Common phrases
auf eine Erfindung kommen
come up with an invention
eine Erfindung patentieren lassen
have an invention patented
eine Erfindung vorstellen
present an invention
Similar words
Innovation: A new approach or technology put to practical use for beneficial change.
Entdeckung: The discovery of a fact or object that was not previously known.
Einfall: A simple idea that suddenly occurs.
Patent: The time-limited exclusive right to use a particular invention.
Definition in German
Neu geschaffene technische Idee oder Vorrichtung, die ein praktisches Problem löst.
Word origin
Erfindung is the noun formed from erfinden, which developed from Middle High German ervinden and combines er- with finden.
Usage tips
- In ordinary use, Erfindung can also mean a fabrication, as in eine Erfindung or eine erfundene Geschichte, not only a technical invention.
Other meanings
- contrivancenoun
- devicenoun
- fabricationnoun
Opposites
- Entdeckungdiscoverynoun
- Nachahmungimitationnoun