to learn / experience
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to learn
To receive information or knowledge about something, usually through a message or news from others.
Ich habe erst heute erfahren, dass das Büro morgen geschlossen bleibt.
I only learned today that the office will be closed tomorrow.
The verb 'erfahren' (to learn / experience) is inseparable. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'fahren' in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Sie erfuhr die Neuigkeiten von ihrer Kollegin.
She learned the news from her colleague.
The word is made up of the prefix 'er-' and the verb 'fahren' (to drive / travel). The prefix 'er-' often indicates that a state is reached through an action. You can remember it like this: you 'travel through' an experience or a piece of information and thus arrive at new knowledge.
Durch seine Reisen hat er viel über andere Kulturen erfahren.
Through his travels, he learned a lot about other cultures.
When 'erfahren' means to receive information, it is often followed by a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or a question word. When it means 'erleben' (to experience), it usually appears with a noun in the accusative that describes a feeling or state.
Wir haben erfahren, dass der Flug Verspätung hat.
We learned that the flight is delayed.
To indicate the source of the information, the prepositions 'von' with the dative are typically used for people, and 'aus' with the dative for media.
Ich habe von einem Freund erfahren, dass die Wohnung frei ist.
I learned from a friend that the apartment is available.
In the meaning 'erleben' (to experience), 'erfahren' is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are: Unterstützung erfahren (to receive/experience support), eine Enttäuschung erfahren (to experience disappointment), Anerkennung erfahren (to receive recognition), or eine Verbesserung erfahren (to undergo an improvement).
Nach der Kritik hat sein Projekt nun endlich Anerkennung erfahren.
After the criticism, his project has finally received recognition.
The use of 'erfahren' in the sense of 'erleben' (to experience) is often typical of written language or a more formal style. It sounds more elevated than other, more everyday expressions.
Die Region hat durch die neuen Fabriken einen wirtschaftlichen Aufschwung erfahren.
The region has experienced an economic upswing thanks to the new factories.
to know
'wissen' and 'erfahren' both have to do with information. 'erfahren' describes the moment when you receive information, often through a message or from another person. 'wissen' describes the state afterward: you already have the information. That is why you say: 'Ich habe es gestern erfahren' (I found out yesterday), and afterward 'Jetzt weiß ich es' (Now I know). Learners confuse the words because both are connected to knowledge. Pay attention to whether it is about receiving the information or having the information.
Am Bahnhof erfährt Maria, dass ihr Zug wegen der Arbeit an den Gleisen später fährt.
At the train station, Maria learns that her train is running late because of work on the tracks.
Wisst ihr schon, ob der Laden am Wochenende geöffnet ist?
Do you already know whether the shop is open on the weekend?