01
erbauen
to build
To build or construct something large or impressive, often in a historical or architectural context.
example
Die Kathedrale wurde im 12. Jahrhundert erbaut.
The cathedral was built in the 12th century.
erbauen
to build / edify
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'er-' is inseparable and always remains attached to the verb 'bauen' (to build). It often emphasizes the successful completion or creation of something large.
EXAMPLE
Man erbaute die Brücke in nur zwei Jahren.
They built the bridge in just two years.
Distinguishing meanings
If the object is a building, 'erbauen' (to build) means 'errichten' (to construct). If the object is a person, it is about spiritual elevation. You can recognize the ironic expression by the form 'sich (wenig) erbaut zeigen' (to show oneself to be not very pleased).
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt erbaute ein neues Rathaus.
The city built a new town hall.
Elevated style
In the meanings 'errichten' (to construct) and 'geistig erheben' (to spiritually uplift), 'erbauen' (to build/edify) belongs to elevated language. The ironic expression 'sich nicht erbaut zeigen' (to not be pleased), however, is also common in colloquial language.
EXAMPLE
Die antiken Tempel wurden zu Ehren der Götter erbaut.
The ancient temples were built in honor of the gods.
Often in the passive
In the meaning 'errichten' (to construct), 'erbauen' (to build) is very often used in the passive to describe when or by whom a building was built. The focus is on the structure itself.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Schloss wurde vor über 300 Jahren erbaut.
This castle was built over 300 years ago.
Fixed expression
The expression 'sich erbaut zeigen' (to show oneself pleased) is reflexive. To express displeasure, it is almost always negated or softened, e.g. 'sich nicht erbaut zeigen' (to not be pleased) or 'sich wenig erbaut zeigen' (to be not very pleased).
EXAMPLE
Meine Mutter zeigte sich wenig erbaut von meinen schlechten Noten.
My mother was not very pleased with my bad grades.
Compare with
erbauen vs bauen
to build
'bauen' and 'erbauen' can both mean that a structure is being built. 'bauen' is the normal word for almost all everyday situations. 'erbauen' sounds elevated, more old-fashioned, or historical, and fits better with large, impressive buildings such as churches, castles, or old structures. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with structures. In normal conversation, however, people almost always say 'bauen'. 'Erbauen' is used more in texts about architecture or history.
erbauen
Die Kirche wurde im 18. Jahrhundert auf einem Hügel erbaut.
The church was built on a hill in the 18th century.
bauen
Die Firma baut ein neues Bürogebäude in der Innenstadt.
The company is building a new office building in the city center.
In real life
Loading video examples...