to grant / hear
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to grant
To take note of and fulfill a request, wish, or prayer. Often used in a religious or figurative sense.
Der König erhörte die Bitte des Volkes und senkte die Steuern.
The king granted the people's request and lowered the taxes.
'Erhören' (to grant / hear) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' often points to the successful result of an action: here, hearing leads to the fulfillment of what was heard.
Sie hoffte, dass der Chef ihre Bitte um mehr Gehalt erhören würde.
She hoped that the boss would grant her request for a higher salary.
This verb is typically combined with words such as 'ein Gebet' (a prayer), 'eine Bitte' (a request), 'ein Flehen' (a plea), or 'einen Wunsch' (a wish) as a direct object.
Die Götter erhörten seine Gebete und schickten Regen.
The gods granted his prayers and sent rain.
The meaning 'to fulfill a request' is often used in religious contexts (prayers) or in very formal, almost poetic language.
Das Volk flehte um Gnade, doch der Tyrann erhörte es nicht.
The people begged for mercy, but the tyrant did not grant it.
The literal meaning 'to hear something' is very rare today and sounds outdated or literary. You will find it almost only in old poetry or historical texts.
Der Wanderer meinte, in der Ferne einen Hilferuf zu erhören.
The wanderer thought he heard a cry for help in the distance.
to hear / to listen
'hören' and 'erhören' look similar, but they are usually used very differently. 'hören' is the normal word when you perceive noises, voices, or music with your ears, or when you listen attentively. 'erhören' today usually means that a request, wish, or prayer is granted. The meaning 'to hear something' for 'erhören' is rare and sounds elevated or old-fashioned. Learners may confuse the words because of their similar form. In everyday language, you almost always say 'hören' when talking about sounds. 'erhören' mainly fits with requests, wishes, or prayers.
Nach vielen Wochen wurde ihre Bitte endlich erhört.
After many weeks, her request was finally granted.
Luisa hört am Telefon den Verkehr im Hintergrund.
Luisa hears the traffic in the background on the phone.