01
anerkennen
to recognize
To accept something as valid, legitimate, or official.
example
Der ausländische Berufsabschluss wurde in Deutschland nicht anerkannt.
The foreign professional qualification was not recognized in Germany.
anerkennen
to recognize / acknowledge
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anerkennen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' separates in a main clause and goes to the end. In subordinate clauses and with modal verbs, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma erkennt seine Leistung an.
The company acknowledges his achievement.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'an-' and the verb 'erkennen' (to recognize, to identify). While 'erkennen' only means 'to perceive' or 'to identify', 'an-' adds the component of acceptance or confirmation.
EXAMPLE
Ich erkenne dich auf dem Foto kaum wieder.
I can hardly recognize you in the photo.
Typical collocations
In official or legal contexts, 'anerkennen' (to recognize) is often used with nouns such as 'Abschluss' (degree/qualification), 'Zertifikat' (certificate), 'Status' (status), or 'Vaterschaft' (paternity).
EXAMPLE
Er kämpft darum, dass sein Diplom in Europa anerkannt wird.
He is fighting to have his diploma recognized in Europe.
Typical collocations
When it is about appreciation, 'anerkennen' (to acknowledge) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Leistung' (achievement), 'Arbeit' (work), 'Mühe' (effort), or 'Verdienste' (merits).
EXAMPLE
Die Chefin hat die gute Arbeit des Teams ausdrücklich anerkannt.
The boss explicitly acknowledged the team's good work.
Sentence structure
In the meaning of 'zugeben' (to admit), 'anerkennen' (to acknowledge) is often followed by a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to). This expresses exactly what one admits.
EXAMPLE
Er musste anerkennen, dass sein Plan nicht funktioniert hatte.
He had to acknowledge that his plan had not worked.
Compare with
anerkennen vs bestätigen
to confirm
'bestätigen' and 'anerkennen' can both mean that something is treated as correct or valid. The difference is in the focus. 'bestätigen' is often used when information, an appointment, or an impression is stated again as correct. 'anerkennen' is used when something is officially accepted or when someone admits that something is true. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with truth and validity. As a simple guide: you confirm an appointment or receipt; you recognize a right, a certificate, or a fact.
anerkennen
Die Behörde erkennt das ausländische Zeugnis nach der Prüfung an.
The authority recognizes the foreign certificate after the review.
bestätigen
Der Kunde bestätigt den Termin per E-Mail.
The customer confirms the appointment by email.
In real life
Loading video examples...