erklären
Meaning and Usage
"Erklären" means "to explain" in English. It is used when someone gives information or makes something clear to someone else.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "erklären" is a verb. It is derived from the prefix "er-" (which can indicate a forward movement or completion of an action) and the root "klären" (which means "to clear up" or "to clarify"). The suffix "-en" is added to form the infinitive verb. The word has evolved from the Middle High German "erklæren," which has the same meaning.
Comparisons between German and English
The word "erklären" is similar to the English word "explain" in both meaning and usage.
Cultural Context
In German culture, explaining things clearly and providing thorough information is considered important in many aspects of life, including education, work, and interpersonal communication.
Example Sentences
- Kannst du mir das bitte erklären? (Can you please explain that to me?)
- Sie hat die Regeln sehr gut erklärt. (She explained the rules very well.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "erklären," think of the English word "explain," as they have a similar sound and meaning.
Additional Vocabulary
- die Erklärung (feminine, singular) - explanation
- erklärend (adjective) - explaining
- unklar (antonym) - unclear
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
N/A
Conjugation (for verbs)
- ich erkläre (I explain)
- du erklärst (you explain)
- er/sie/es erklärt (he/she/it explains)
- wir erklären (we explain)
- ihr erklärt (you explain - plural)
- sie erklären (they explain)