01
erhitzen
to heat
To make something hot or warmer by adding heat.
example
Für das Rezept müssen Sie zuerst das Öl in der Pfanne erhitzen.
For the recipe, you must first heat the oil in the pan.
erhitzen
to heat
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Erhitzen' (to heat) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' always remains attached to the stem. It often expresses the beginning of a process or the reaching of a state—here: becoming hot.
EXAMPLE
Sie erhitzte die Milch für ihren Kakao.
She heated the milk for her cocoa.
Reflexive use
The figurative, emotional meaning is always used reflexively: 'sich erhitzen' (to get heated). The subject is often an abstract noun such as 'die Gemüter' (tempers) or 'die Debatte' (the debate).
EXAMPLE
Während der politischen Diskussion erhitzten sich die Gemüter schnell.
During the political discussion, tempers quickly got heated.
Context: cooking
The literal meaning of 'erhitzen' (to heat) is especially common in recipes and cooking instructions. Typical objects are ingredients such as 'Öl' (oil), 'Wasser' (water), 'Milch' (milk), or 'Butter' (butter).
EXAMPLE
Erhitzen Sie das Öl in einer großen Pfanne bei mittlerer Temperatur.
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Compare with
erhitzen vs kochen
to cook / to boil
'kochen' and 'erhitzen' both have to do with heat. 'kochen' is usually used when you prepare food or when water is so hot that it forms bubbles. 'erhitzen' is more general and only means: to make something warmer or hot. You can heat milk without boiling it. Learners may confuse the words because cooking often also involves heating. As a practical rule: for a meal, 'kochen' sounds more natural; for a technical or precise process, 'erhitzen' fits better.
erhitzen
Für die Soße erhitzt Anna die Milch langsam im Topf.
For the sauce, Anna slowly heats the milk in the pot.
kochen
Am Sonntag kocht Mehmet für seine Familie eine Suppe.
On Sunday, Mehmet is cooking soup for his family.
In real life
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