German Conversation · Level 47
74 words
German word
ermöglichen
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈmøːklɪçən/
Meaning
- verbenable
Example
Das neue System ermöglicht schnelle Kommunikation.
The new system enables fast communication.
More examples
Die neue Regelung ermöglicht vielen Menschen den Zugang zur Bildung.
The new regulation enables many people to gain access to education.
Core concept
A person or condition opens a workable path so an action can happen.
Common phrases
jemandem etwas ermöglichen
enable someone to do something
jemandem den Zugang ermöglichen
enable someone to gain access
etwas finanziell ermöglichen
make something financially possible
Similar words
erlauben: Gives permission for someone to do something.
zulassen: Allows something to happen or something to enter without stopping it.
erleichtern: Makes a task easier through helpful methods or support.
befähigen: Gives someone the skills or ability needed to carry something out.
Definition in German
jemandem etwas ermöglichen; dafür sorgen, dass jemand etwas tun kann oder etwas zustande kommt.
Word origin
German ermöglichen derives from möglich ('possible'), itself related to mögen in the older sense of being able, with er- and -en forming the verb.
Usage tips
- With ermöglichen, the person who gains the opportunity is usually in the dative and the enabled action or thing is in the accusative.
Opposites
- verhindernpreventverb
Related words
- Ermöglichungenablementnoun