German Conversation · Level 97
57 words
German word
erobern
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈoːbɐn/
Meaning
- verbconquer
Example
Die Armee eroberte die Stadt nach einer Woche.
The army conquered the city after a week.
More examples
Sein Charme eroberte bald die Herzen der Gäste.
His charm soon captured the guests' hearts.
Core concept
A difficult target is gradually brought into one's sphere through force, skill, or persistent effort.
Common phrases
jemandes Herz erobern
capture someone's heart
jemandes Sympathien erobern
win someone's sympathies
eine Stadt erobern
conquer a city
Similar words
einnehmen: To gain someone's affection or trust through a warm manner and considerate actions.
gewinnen: To gain support or cooperation through effort or persuasion.
verführen: To attract someone through temptation or irresistible charm.
Definition in German
Durch Kampf, List oder Anstrengung Kontrolle über einen Ort, eine Gruppe oder die Zuneigung einer Person gewinnen.
Word origin
The verb developed from Old High German irōbōn, an older Germanic word connected with rauben and Raub.
Usage tips
- A person can be the accusative object of erobern in the figurative sense, as in jemanden erobern, meaning to win that person's affection.