German Conversation · Level 103
56 words
German word
ermuntern
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈmʊntɐn/
Meaning
- verbencourage
Example
Meine Eltern haben mich ermuntert.
My parents encouraged me.
More examples
Der Trainer ermuntert die Spieler vor dem Spiel.
The coach encourages the players before the game.
Core concept
A hesitant person gets a friendly lift that makes trying something feel possible.
Common phrases
jemanden ermuntern
encourage someone
jemanden zu etwas ermuntern
encourage someone to ___
Similar words
ermutigen: Give someone courage and confidence to try something.
bestärken: Strengthen someone's ideas or resolve so that action becomes more likely.
motivieren: Awaken motivation by showing a goal or a reason to act.
aufmuntern: Lift someone's spirits and help restore a cheerful mood.
Definition in German
jemandem durch Worte oder Gesten Mut machen und ihn zu einem Versuch oder Tun anregen.
Word origin
German built ermuntern from the prefix er- and the adjective munter, which describes someone as lively, cheerful, or in good spirits.
Usage tips
- Ermuntern often sounds supportive rather than authoritative, whereas auffordern more directly tells someone to do something.
Other meanings
- cheer upverb
- urgeverb
Opposites
- entmutigendiscourageverb
Related words
- Ermunterungencouragementnoun
- Ermuntererencouragernoun