German word

lernen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlɛɐ̯nən/

Meaning

  • verblearn

Example

Ich lerne Deutsch.

I'm learning German.

Illustration for lernen (learn)

More examples

Ich lerne jeden Tag Vokabeln.

I learn vocabulary every day.

Core concept

A learner returns to material or practice until knowledge and ability become reliable.

Common phrases

  • Deutsch lernen

    learn German

  • Vokabeln lernen

    learn vocabulary

  • aus Fehlern lernen

    learn from mistakes

Similar words

üben: Repeat an action or skill to become more proficient at it.
studieren: Pursue an academic subject deeply and over a long period.
kennenlernen: Become acquainted with someone when meeting them for the first time.
erfahren: Come to know new information through personal experience or events.

Definition in German

Durch Wiederholung oder Übung Kenntnisse erwerben oder Fertigkeiten einüben.

Word origin

The verb lernen continues an Old High German form and shares its Germanic ancestry with English learn.

Usage tips

  • For a subject or examination, German commonly uses lernen with für, as in für die Prüfung lernen, meaning to study for the exam.

Other meanings

  • take lessonsverb
  • studyverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Lernmethodelearning methodnoun
  • Lernziellearning goalnoun
  • Lernstofflearning materialnoun

Word lists with this word