01
erfinden
to invent
To create something new that did not exist before through creative thinking, research, and construction.
example
Alexander Graham Bell hat das Telefon erfunden.
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
erfinden
to invent
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Erfinden' (to invent) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'er-'. This prefix remains firmly attached to the verb 'finden' (to find) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat eine Maschine erfunden, die Wasser spart.
She invented a machine that saves water.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear: If it is about a technical innovation or a scientific discovery, 'etwas Neues erschaffen' (to create something new) is meant. If it is about a story or excuse, it means 'sich etwas Unwahres ausdenken' (to make up something untrue).
EXAMPLE
Das Internet wurde nicht von einer einzigen Person erfunden.
The internet was not invented by a single person.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'das Rad neu erfinden' (to reinvent the wheel) means that someone invests a lot of work in something that has already existed for a long time. It is often used to criticize unnecessary work.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen das Rad nicht neu erfinden, wir können die Vorlage vom letzten Projekt nutzen.
We don't need to reinvent the wheel; we can use the template from the last project.
Typical collocations
When it is about making up something untrue, 'erfinden' (to make up) is often combined with the nouns 'eine Ausrede' (an excuse), 'eine Geschichte' (a story), or 'eine Lüge' (a lie).
EXAMPLE
Er war zu spät und musste schnell eine gute Ausrede erfinden.
He was late and had to quickly make up a good excuse.
Compare with
erfinden vs erzählen
to tell
'erzählen' and 'erfinden' can both have to do with stories or information. 'erzählen' means that you pass something on in words; it can be true, or it can simply be a story. 'erfinden' here means that you make something up that is not true or did not happen that way. Learners may confuse the words because you can also tell made-up stories. The difference is: 'erzählen' describes passing something on, while 'erfinden' describes making something up.
erfinden
Sie erfand eine Ausrede, weil sie zu spät zum Kurs kam.
She made up an excuse because she was late for the course.
erzählen
Im Krankenhaus erzählt die Großmutter den Kindern eine Geschichte aus ihrer Jugend.
At the hospital, the grandmother tells the children a story from her youth.
In real life
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