telling
das Erzählen
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telling
The oral or written retelling of real or invented events and stories.
Beim Erzählen seiner Kindheitserlebnisse wurde der Großvater oft sehr lebhaft.
The grandfather often became very animated when telling stories about his childhood.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Erzählens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Erzählen | – |
| accusative | das Erzählen | – |
| dative | dem Erzählen | – |
| genitive | des Erzählens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Erzählen' (telling) is the infinitive of the verb 'erzählen' (to tell) used as a noun. This allows the activity itself to become the subject of a sentence.
Das Erzählen macht ihr genauso viel Spaß wie das Zuhören.
She enjoys telling stories just as much as listening.
A typical expression is 'ins Erzählen kommen' (to start telling stories). It is often used when someone begins to talk in more detail about experiences during a conversation.
Als wir die alten Fotos ansahen, kam meine Mutter ins Erzählen.
When we looked at the old photos, my mother started telling stories.
What is being told can stand directly after 'Erzählen' (telling) as a genitive complement. Typical combinations include 'das Erzählen einer Geschichte' (telling a story) and 'das Erzählen eigener Erlebnisse' (telling about one's own experiences).
Für das Erzählen einer spannenden Geschichte braucht man ein gutes Gefühl für Pausen.
To tell an engaging story, you need a good sense of when to pause.
