German Conversation · Level 25
90 words
German word
erinnern
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈɪnɐn/
Meaning
- verbremember
Example
Ich erinnere mich an den Urlaub.
I remember the vacation.
More examples
Die Mutter erinnert ihn an den Termin.
The mother reminds him of the appointment.
Core concept
A stored scene or fact comes back into the mind, or is brought into someone else's mind.
Common phrases
sich an erinnern
remember ___
jemanden an etwas erinnern
remind someone of something
Similar words
einprägen: Information is deeply fixed in memory through hearing or seeing it.
merken: Something is consciously noticed and kept in mind.
einfallen: An idea or event suddenly comes to mind.
Definition in German
Etwas aus dem Gedächtnis wieder abrufen; meist reflexiv mit 'sich an + Akk.', transitiv mit 'jdn. an + Akk.' für das Erinnern einer anderen Person.
Word origin
The verb erinnern goes back to Middle High German erinnern and is connected with inner, meaning "inside," fitting its sense of bringing something into inner awareness.
Usage tips
- German uses sich an + accusative for remembering and jemanden an + accusative for reminding, so the person being reminded is not introduced with English-like "to".