German word

erlernen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈlɛʁnən/

Meaning

  • verblearn

Example

Sie hat die Technik schnell erlernt.

She quickly learned the technique.

Illustration for erlernen (learn)

More examples

Er will eine Fremdsprache erlernen, um mit Muttersprachlern zu kommunizieren.

He wants to learn a foreign language in order to communicate with native speakers.

Core concept

A new skill moves from guided practice into reliable independent performance.

Common phrases

  • eine Fremdsprache erlernen

    learn a foreign language

  • neue Fähigkeiten erlernen

    learn new skills

  • eine Methode erlernen

    learn a method

Similar words

lernen: Gain knowledge or an ability through study, practice, or experience.
aneignen: Build knowledge or skills through deliberate personal effort.
einüben: Master a movement or expression through repeated practice.
beherrschen: Have enough skill or knowledge to use it confidently and effectively.

Definition in German

Etwas Neues durch wiederholtes Üben oder systematischen Unterricht vollständig erwerben und beherrschen.

Word origin

The verb erlernen joins er-, which often marks attainment, with lernen, an inherited Germanic verb related to English learn.

Usage tips

  • Erlernen is more formal and result-focused than everyday lernen, especially in writing or descriptions of skills and qualifications.

Opposites

Related words

  • Erlernenlearningnoun
  • erlernbarlearnableadjective
  • erlerntlearnedadjective

Word lists with this word