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
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Meanings
anerkennen
to acknowledge
To honor the achievement, value, or quality of someone or something through praise or respect.
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte deine harte Arbeit und dein Engagement ausdrücklich anerkennen.
I would like to explicitly acknowledge your hard work and commitment.
anerkennen
to acknowledge
To admit or concede the truth or existence of something, often reluctantly.
EXAMPLE
Nach langer Diskussion musste er anerkennen, dass er im Unrecht war.
After a long discussion, he had to acknowledge that he was in the wrong.
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
erkennenbestätigenakzeptierenzugebenehrenlobenrespektiereneinräumenwürdigenanrechnenzugestehenzuerkennenhonorieren
anerkennen vs erkennen
to recognize / realize
Both words work when you understand the truth of an objection. erkennen initially refers to the mental insight, while anerkennen additionally expresses that you accept this truth or validity. Use erkennen for understanding and anerkennen when you explicitly admit the insight.
anerkennen
Nach der Erklärung erkannte ich an, dass der Einwand berechtigt war.
After the explanation, I acknowledged that the objection was justified.
erkennen
Nach der Erklärung erkannte ich, dass der Einwand berechtigt war.
After the explanation, I realized that the objection was justified.
In real life
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