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
erfinden
to make up
To think up a story, an excuse, or information that is not true.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die ganze Geschichte nur erfunden, um seine Eltern zu beeindrucken.
He only made up the whole story to impress his parents.
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 prägen
to shape / mint
Both words can refer to something new, especially a new term. „Erfinden“ only emphasizes bringing something into existence, while „prägen“ additionally means that a term is introduced into the language and becomes known. Use „erfinden“ for the creation of something and „prägen“ for its successful introduction.
erfinden
Der Autor erfand einen neuen Begriff für diese ungewöhnliche Situation.
The author invented a new term for this unusual situation.
prägen
Die Journalistin prägte den Begriff, der später in vielen Zeitungen bekannt wurde.
The journalist coined the term, which later became known in many newspapers.
In real life
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