German word

erleichtern

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈlaɪ̯çtɐn/

Meaning

  • verbmake easier

Example

Die neue Software erleichtert die Arbeit.

The new software makes the work easier.

Illustration for erleichtern (make easier)

More examples

Kurze Erklärungen erleichtern den Einstieg in das Thema.

Short explanations make it easier to get started with the topic.

Core concept

A difficult activity or burden is made more manageable by reducing the effort needed to deal with it.

Common phrases

  • den Einstieg erleichtern

    make it easier to get started

  • ein Gespräch erleichtern

    facilitate a conversation

Similar words

vereinfachen: Makes a process or system simpler and easier to handle.
entlasten: Relieves a burden or responsibility, making things easier.
ermöglichen: Provides the conditions or means needed to make something possible.
unterstützen: Provides help that makes progress easier.

Definition in German

etwas weniger schwer oder mühsam machen, sodass es leichter zu tun ist.

Word origin

The word combines leicht, meaning 'light' or 'easy', with er- and the verb-forming ending -ern to denote making something light or easy.

Usage tips

  • The prefix er- is inseparable, so erleichtern stays together in sentences such as Die neue Software erleichtert die Arbeit.

Other meanings

  • relieveverb

Opposites

Related words

  • erleichterbarable to be made easieradjective

Word lists with this word