to elicit
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to elicit from someone/something
To skillfully, patiently, or cunningly cause someone to reveal a secret, show a reaction, or cause an object (e.g., an instrument) to produce a sound.
Dem Zeugen konnte der Anwalt im Kreuzverhör ein Geständnis entlocken.
During cross-examination, the lawyer was able to elicit a confession from the witness.
The verb consists of the prefix 'ent-' and the verb 'locken' (to lure). Here, 'ent-' has the meaning of 'out' or 'away from something.' So you 'lure' information or a reaction out of someone or something.
Der Musiker konnte der alten Geige wunderschöne Töne entlocken.
The musician was able to elicit beautiful tones from the old violin.
This verb requires a fixed sentence structure: the person or thing from which something is elicited is in the dative. The information or reaction that one receives is in the accusative.
Die Journalistin entlockte dem Politiker (Dativ) eine überraschende Antwort (Akkusativ).
The journalist elicited a surprising answer (accusative) from the politician (dative).
'entlocken' (to elicit) is often used with abstract things that are difficult to obtain. Typical phrases are: 'jemandem ein Geheimnis entlocken' (to elicit a secret from someone), 'ein Lächeln entlocken' (to elicit a smile), or 'einem Instrument Töne entlocken' (to elicit tones from an instrument).
Selbst der lustigste Witz konnte ihm kein Lächeln entlocken.
Even the funniest joke could not elicit a smile from him.
to generate
Erzeugen and entlocken can both refer to producing a sound. Erzeugen neutrally describes the sound coming into being. Entlocken, by contrast, emphasizes the skill of the person playing and the instrument as the source of the sound.
Mit großer Geduld entlockt die Geigerin dem alten Instrument einen klaren Ton.
With great patience, the violinist draws a clear tone from the old instrument.
Die Geigerin erzeugt mit dem Bogen einen klaren Ton.
The violinist produces a clear tone with the bow.
