German word

erringen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈʁɪŋən/

Meaning

  • verbwin

Example

Die Mannschaft erringt den Sieg.

The team wins.

Illustration for erringen (win)

More examples

Durch ehrliche Arbeit konnte er das Vertrauen seiner Kollegen erringen.

Through honest work, he was able to win the trust of his colleagues.

Core concept

A hard-fought path ends with a prize, status, or claim secured.

Common phrases

  • Vertrauen erringen

    win trust

  • Respekt erringen

    win respect

Similar words

gewinnen: Beat an opponent in a competition or game and achieve the desired result.
sich durchsetzen: Prevail in a dispute by getting others to accept an idea.

Definition in German

Etwas infolge gezielter Anstrengung erlangen; oft für Siege, Anerkennung oder Rechte verwendet.

Word origin

The verb developed from er- and ringen, so its form links reaching an outcome with wrestling or strenuous struggle.

Usage tips

  • Erringen has a more formal, elevated tone than gewinnen and is common in phrases about victories, recognition, or rights.

Other meanings

  • gainverb
  • obtainverb
  • achieveverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word