German Conversation · Level 87
59 words
German word
ermutigen
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈmuːtɪgn̩/
Meaning
- verbencourage
Example
Ich ermutige dich, es noch einmal zu versuchen.
I encourage you to try it one more time.
More examples
Der Chef ermutigte das Team, die neue Strategie auszuprobieren.
The boss encouraged the team to try out the new strategy.
Core concept
A person receives enough courage to take a difficult next step.
Common phrases
jemanden zu etwas ermutigen
encourage someone to do something
jemanden ermutigen
encourage someone
sich gegenseitig ermutigen
encourage each other
Similar words
motivieren: Give someone motivation or a clear purpose to prompt action.
bestärken: Remove doubts and strengthen someone's confidence.
aufmuntern: Lift someone's spirits and make them feel more cheerful.
anspornen: Spur someone on to make a greater effort.
Definition in German
Einer Person Mut geben, damit sie etwas versucht.
Word origin
Ermutigen is a derived verb based on Mut, "courage," with er- and -igen forming the idea of giving someone courage.
Usage tips
- Ermutigen takes an accusative person, commonly in the pattern jemanden ermutigen, etwas zu tun or jemanden zu etwas ermutigen.
Other meanings
- urgeverb
Opposites
- entmutigendiscourageverb
- demotivierendemotivateverb
Related words
- Ermutigungencouragementnoun
- ermutigendencouragingadjective