German word

erläutern

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈlɔʏ̯tɐn/

Meaning

  • verbexplain

Example

Der Lehrer erläuterte die Aufgabe.

The teacher explained the assignment.

Illustration for erläutern (explain)

More examples

Können Sie das genauer erläutern?

Can you explain that in more detail?

Core concept

Someone guides another person through a difficult subject, revealing both how it works and why it matters.

Common phrases

  • das genauer erläutern

    explain that in more detail

  • eine Idee erläutern

    explain an idea

  • ein Problem erläutern

    explain a problem

Similar words

erklären: Explains meaning or reasons in simple, clear words.
beschreiben: Gives a detailed account of a thing or situation's features.
verdeutlichen: Makes an unclear point clearer through examples or rephrasing.
darlegen: Sets out reasons or evidence in a detailed, orderly way.

Definition in German

Jemandem etwas klar und ausführlich erklären, damit er Sinn und Gründe versteht.

Word origin

The verb developed from Middle High German erlûtern, meaning to make clear, and is related to lûter, meaning clear or bright.

Usage tips

  • The usual pattern is jemandem etwas erläutern, with the person in the dative and the subject being explained in the accusative.

Other meanings

  • elaborate onverb

Opposites

  • verheimlichenconcealverb

Related words

Word lists with this word