erklären
to explain
A regular inseparable prefix verb meaning 'to explain' or 'to declare'. Takes Dativ (person) + Akkusativ (thing): 'Kannst du mir das erklären?'.
Conjugation
Present Tense (Präsens)
| Pronomen | Form |
|---|---|
| ich | erkläre |
| du | erklärst |
| er/sie/es | erklärt |
| wir | erklären |
| ihr | erklärt |
| sie/Sie | erklären |
Simple Past (Präteritum)
| Pronomen | Form |
|---|---|
| ich | erklärte |
| du | erklärtest |
| er/sie/es | erklärte |
| wir | erklärten |
| ihr | erklärtet |
| sie/Sie | erklärten |
Perfect (Perfekt)
| Auxiliary | Partizip II |
|---|---|
| haben | erklärt |
z.B.: Ich habe erklärt
Imperative (Imperativ)
| du | ihr | Sie |
|---|---|---|
| erklär(e) | erklärt | erklären Sie |
Example Sentences
Kannst du mir die Grammatik erklären?
Can you explain the grammar to me?
Der Lehrer hat die Aufgabe gut erklärt.
The teacher explained the task well.
Usage Tips
Regular conjugation with inseparable prefix 'er-'. Past participle: 'erklärt' (no 'ge-'). Very useful for asking questions: 'Können Sie das bitte erklären?'.
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