01
erkennen
to recognize
To identify someone or something with the senses, usually the eyes, because you already know him, her, or it.
example
Ich habe dich sofort an deiner Stimme erkannt.
I recognized you immediately by your voice.
erkennen
to recognize / realize
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Erkennen' (to recognize / realize) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'er-'. This prefix often points to the result of a process: you try to see or understand and are successful in the end.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe erst spät erkannt, wie wichtig diese Entscheidung war.
Only later did I realize how important this decision was.
Identifying with 'an'
When you identify someone or something by means of a feature, you use the preposition 'an' followed by the dative. This is a very fixed structure.
EXAMPLE
Ich erkenne ihn an seinem Lachen.
I recognize him by his laugh.
Understanding with subordinate clause
When 'erkennen' (to realize) means 'verstehen' (to understand) or 'realisieren' (to realize), it is often followed by a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to).
EXAMPLE
Sie erkannte, dass sie Hilfe brauchte.
She realized that she needed help.
Context clue: perception
In the meaning 'etwas undeutlich sehen' (to see something unclearly), 'erkennen' (to make out) is often combined with words that describe difficulty, such as 'kaum' (hardly), 'schwer' (difficult), 'im Dunkeln' (in the dark), or 'aus der Ferne' (from a distance).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des dichten Schneefalls konnte ich das Schild kaum erkennen.
Because of the heavy snowfall, I could hardly make out the sign.
Fixed expression
The expression 'zu erkennen geben' (to make known / make clear) is a fixed unit. It means that you show your opinion or feelings indirectly. The person to whom something is shown is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er gab ihr deutlich zu erkennen, dass er müde war.
He clearly made it known to her that he was tired.
Compare with
erkennen vs sehen
to see
'sehen' and 'erkennen' can both mean that you perceive something with your eyes. The important difference is: 'sehen' is first about perceiving. With 'erkennen', you also understand or identify what or who it is. So you can see someone but not recognize them, for example because it is dark or the person is standing far away. 'erkennen' also fits when you mentally understand a problem or a truth. Learners confuse the words because both have to do with perception and understanding. 'sehen' is more general; 'erkennen' is more precise when you classify something correctly.
erkennen
Trotz der Mütze habe ich meine Freundin auf dem Foto erkannt.
Despite the hat, I recognized my friend in the photo.
sehen
Am Bahnhof sehe ich viele Menschen, aber ich finde meine Eltern nicht sofort.
At the train station, I see many people, but I don't find my parents right away.
In real life
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