erfahren
to find out / experience
Irregular verb with a→ä stem change. Two meanings: 1) 'to find out/learn' and 2) 'to experience'. Inseparable prefix 'er-'. Partizip II: 'erfahren'.
Conjugation
Present Tense (Präsens)
| Pronomen | Form |
|---|---|
| ich | erfahre |
| du | erfährst |
| er/sie/es | erfährt |
| wir | erfahren |
| ihr | erfahrt |
| sie/Sie | erfahren |
Simple Past (Präteritum)
| Pronomen | Form |
|---|---|
| ich | erfuhr |
| du | erfuhrst |
| er/sie/es | erfuhr |
| wir | erfuhren |
| ihr | erfuhrt |
| sie/Sie | erfuhren |
Perfect (Perfekt)
| Auxiliary | Partizip II |
|---|---|
| haben | erfahren |
z.B.: Ich habe erfahren
Imperative (Imperativ)
| du | ihr | Sie |
|---|---|---|
| erfahr(e) | erfahrt | erfahren Sie |
Example Sentences
Ich habe gerade erfahren, dass er krank ist.
I just found out that he is sick.
Sie hat viel Unterstützung erfahren.
She experienced a lot of support.
Wo hast du davon erfahren?
Where did you find out about it?
Usage Tips
The adjective 'erfahren' means 'experienced': 'ein erfahrener Lehrer' (an experienced teacher). Same form as Partizip II!
'erfahren' (find out) often with 'von + Dat' or 'über + Akk': 'Ich habe davon erfahren' (I found out about it) or in media: 'wie wir erfahren haben' (as we have learned).
Common Mistakes
Missing stem change: 'Er erfahrt'
Related Verbs
Related Grammar
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