01
erheben
to raise
To lift something upward or bring it into a higher position.
example
Er erhob sein Glas, um einen Toast auszusprechen.
He raised his glass to make a toast.
erheben
to raise / levy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Erheben' (to raise / levy) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'heben' (to lift) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Er erhob seine Stimme, um gehört zu werden.
He raised his voice in order to be heard.
Register
The verb 'erheben' (to raise / levy) belongs to elevated language. It sounds more formal and is used more often in official, written, or ceremonial contexts.
EXAMPLE
Gegen das Urteil wurde Einspruch erhoben.
An objection was raised against the verdict.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich erheben' has its own meanings. It can mean 'to get up' or 'to rise' (often out of respect), or 'to rebel'.
EXAMPLE
Das Publikum erhob sich von den Plätzen.
The audience rose from their seats.
Typical collocations
In financial or administrative contexts, 'erheben' (to levy / collect) is often combined with words like 'Steuern' (taxes), 'Gebühren' (fees), 'Zölle' (customs duties), or 'Daten' (data).
EXAMPLE
Der Staat erhebt Steuern auf das Einkommen.
The state levies taxes on income.
Fixed expressions
In legal or formal discussions, 'erheben' (to raise) is used in fixed expressions such as 'Anspruch erheben' (to make a claim), 'Einspruch erheben' (to raise an objection), or 'einen Vorwurf erheben' (to make an accusation).
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition erhebt schwere Vorwürfe gegen die Regierung.
The opposition is making serious accusations against the government.
Sentence structure with 'gegen'
When 'sich erheben' has the meaning 'to rebel' or 'to rise up', it is always followed by the preposition 'gegen' with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Bauern erhoben sich gegen die hohen Abgaben.
The farmers rose up against the high levies.
Compare with
erheben vs fordern
to demand / challenge
'fordern' and 'erheben' can both have to do with a claim or demand. 'fordern' is the normal word when someone clearly demands something. 'erheben' sounds more official and is often used in fixed expressions, for example 'Gebühren erheben' (to charge fees), 'Steuern erheben' (to levy taxes), or 'Vorwürfe erheben' (to make accusations). Learners may confuse the words because in both cases, something is being demanded or brought forward. As a practical rule: for a normal demand, you usually use 'fordern'. For official amounts, data, claims, or accusations, 'erheben' is often the right fit.
erheben
Die Stadt erhebt für das Parken im Zentrum eine Gebühr.
The city charges a fee for parking in the center.
fordern
Die Kundin fordert ihr Geld zurück, weil das Gerät kaputt ist.
The customer is demanding her money back because the device is broken.
In real life
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