lernen vs erlernen
German word comparison
Listen to lernen
Listen to erlernen
| lernen | erlernen |
|---|---|
LER-nen verb | ɛʁˈlɛʁnən (er-LEHR-nen) verb |
| to learn; to study or acquire knowledge or a skill | to learn or acquire a particular skill or trade, often with the nuance of having learned it completely |
How they differ
Erlernen often implies successful acquisition or mastery of a specific skill or craft (resultative), whereas lernen can describe any stage of the learning process and does not imply completion.
When to use each
When to use lernen: Prefer lernen for general or ongoing learning activities without implying completion.
When to use erlernen: Use erlernen to emphasize that someone acquired or mastered a specific skill or trade (for example after training or an apprenticeship).
Side-by-side examples
- Ich lerne gerade Gitarre.
(I'm currently learning guitar.) - Er hat in der Lehre das Tischlern erlernt.
(He learned (mastered) carpentry during his apprenticeship.)
Register & nuance: erlernen is neutral but somewhat more formal or technical than lernen; common in written descriptions of training and qualifications.