01
ergeben
to show / yield
To have as a result or consequence; to lead to something.
example
Die Untersuchung ergab, dass die Ursache ein technischer Defekt war.
The investigation showed that the cause was a technical defect.
ergeben
to result / surrender
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'er-' is inseparable. It stays firmly attached to the verb 'geben' (to give) in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die Analyse ergab ein überraschendes Resultat.
The analysis yielded a surprising result.
Reflexive or not?
This verb can be used reflexively ('sich ergeben') or non-reflexively ('ergeben'). Without 'sich', it means 'to have a result'. With 'sich', it means 'to surrender' or 'to resign oneself'.
EXAMPLE
Zwei plus zwei ergibt vier.
Two plus two equals four.
Typical subjects
In the meaning 'to have as a result', the subject is often a word that describes a process, such as 'die Studie' (the study), 'die Berechnung' (the calculation), 'die Suche' (the search), or 'die Umfrage' (the survey).
EXAMPLE
Die Berechnung ergab eine Summe von über 1000 Euro.
The calculation yielded a total of over 1,000 euros.
Construction with 'aus'
When something follows logically from information, the fixed construction 'sich ergeben aus' + dative is used. The new information is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Aus dem Gespräch ergab sich die Notwendigkeit für ein weiteres Treffen.
The conversation showed the need for another meeting.
Surrender with dative
When 'sich ergeben' means 'to surrender', the person or group one submits to is often in the dative. Typical examples are 'dem Feind' (to the enemy) or 'der Polizei' (to the police).
EXAMPLE
Nach einer langen Verfolgung ergab sich der Dieb der Polizei.
After a long chase, the thief surrendered to the police.
Fixed expression
In the meaning 'to resign oneself', the fixed expression 'sich in sein Schicksal ergeben' (to resign oneself to one's fate) is often used. Here, 'in' takes the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er war sehr traurig, aber schließlich ergab er sich in sein Schicksal.
He was very sad, but eventually he resigned himself to his fate.
Compare with
ergeben vs geben
to give
'geben' and 'ergeben' can both express a result. Especially with calculations, people often say 'Das gibt ...' in everyday speech. 'ergeben' is more precise and a bit more objective: it describes what result follows from a calculation, investigation, or situation. Learners may confuse the words because both occur with results. In simple conversations, 'geben' is possible, especially with numbers. In reports, exercises, or logical conclusions, 'ergeben' sounds more natural and precise.
ergeben
Aus den neuen Zahlen ergibt sich ein anderes Ergebnis als letzte Woche.
The new figures lead to a different result than last week.
geben
Zwei plus drei gibt fünf.
Two plus three equals five.
In real life
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