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
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Meanings
erbauen
to edify
To influence someone intellectually or spiritually in a positive way, often through art, music, or a sermon.
EXAMPLE
Seine Rede hat die Zuhörer sichtlich erbaut.
His speech visibly edified the listeners.
sich erbaut zeigen
to be pleased
Often used ironically to express pleasure or approval about something that one actually disapproves of or finds bad.
EXAMPLE
Der Chef zeigte sich wenig erbaut von unserem Vorschlag.
The boss was not exactly pleased with our proposal.
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 is the neutral verb for erecting buildings and other structures. Erbauen is used especially for large or impressive structures and often sounds elevated or historical. In a factual everyday statement, bauen is usually more appropriate.
erbauen
Das prächtige Konzerthaus wurde im Jahr 1890 erbaut.
The magnificent concert hall was built in 1890.
bauen
Die Stadt baut ein neues Konzerthaus.
The city is building a new concert hall.
In real life
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