01
entfernen
to remove
To take something away from a place or get rid of it.
example
Könntest du bitte den Fleck vom Teppich entfernen?
Could you please remove the stain from the carpet?
entfernen
to remove
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word structure
'Entfernen' (to remove) is an inseparable verb. It consists of the prefix 'ent-', which often means 'away', and the adjective 'fern' (far). Literally, then, it means to 'make something far away' or to 'move far away'.
EXAMPLE
Die Reinigung konnte den Rotweinfleck vollständig entfernen.
The cleaning service was able to completely remove the red wine stain.
Context clue
The grammar shows the meaning: when the verb has an accusative object, it means 'to take something away'. When it is used reflexively with 'sich', it means 'to go away'.
EXAMPLE
Der Gärtner entfernt das Unkraut aus dem Beet.
The gardener removes the weeds from the bed.
Sentence structure and preposition
To express distance, the structure '[distance] entfernt sein von + dative' (to be [distance] away from) is used. The preposition 'von' is a fixed part of this structure.
EXAMPLE
Unser Hotel ist nur 500 Meter vom Strand entfernt.
Our hotel is only 500 meters away from the beach.
Compare with
entfernen vs verlassen
to leave / rely
'entfernen' and 'verlassen' can both have to do with going away or taking something away. 'Entfernen' is often used when you take something away from a place or get rid of it. As 'sich entfernen', it means that someone goes away from a place and creates distance. 'Verlassen' fits when a person leaves a place, a person, or a group behind by going away. Learners may confuse the words because both describe movement away from something. For things, 'entfernen' is often more natural; for places and people, 'verlassen' often is.
entfernen
Der Mitarbeiter entfernt die alten Dateien vom Computer.
The employee removes the old files from the computer.
verlassen
Mein Vater verlässt das Haus morgen sehr früh.
My father is leaving the house very early tomorrow.
In real life
Loading video examples...