German word

erörtern

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈœɐ̯tɐn/

Meaning

  • verbdiscuss

Example

Wir erörtern das Problem im Meeting.

We discuss the issue at the meeting.

Illustration for erörtern (discuss)

More examples

Im Workshop erörtern die Teilnehmer die Vor- und Nachteile.

In the workshop, the participants discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Core concept

A meeting table holds one issue while its supporting and opposing points are laid out for balanced consideration.

Common phrases

  • ein Problem erörtern

    discuss a problem

  • einen Vorschlag erörtern

    discuss a proposal

  • die Vor- und Nachteile erörtern

    discuss the advantages and disadvantages

Similar words

besprechen: A practical discussion of information and opinions to decide on next steps.
diskutieren: A debate where opposing views and supporting reasons are exchanged.
beraten: A joint consultation that combines expertise to form advice or a decision.
behandeln: A structured handling of a topic or problem, clarifying its facts and content.

Definition in German

Ein Thema ausführlich und sachlich behandeln und dabei Argumente sowie Gegenargumente abwägen.

Word origin

Erörtern comes from Middle High German erörtern or erortern and developed from an older learned term for explaining or discussing a matter.

Usage tips

  • Erörtern is formal and often suits official or academic contexts, while besprechen is usually more natural for everyday discussion.

Other meanings

  • examineverb
  • debateverb
  • deliberateverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Erörterungdiscussionnoun
  • Erörterungsbedarfneed for discussionnoun

Word lists with this word