erklingen
to resound
To begin to sound or ring out, often in a solemn or loud way. Used for music, voices, or bells.
EXAMPLE
Pünktlich um Mitternacht erklangen die Glocken des Doms.
Right at midnight, the bells of the cathedral resounded.
erklingen
to resound
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Erklingen' (to resound) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' often describes the beginning of an action. So the verb means 'to begin to sound'.
EXAMPLE
Als der Vorhang aufging, erklang die Ouvertüre.
When the curtain rose, the overture resounded.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
The verb 'erklingen' (to resound) forms the perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change of state from silence to sound.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Rede ist die Nationalhymne erklungen.
After the speech, the national anthem resounded.
Register and style
This word has an elevated, often poetic or solemn style. It is used for music, bells, or hymns, but not for everyday noises like a telephone.
EXAMPLE
Im Konzertsaal erklang eine wunderschöne Melodie.
A beautiful melody resounded in the concert hall.
Compare with
erklingen vs klingen
to sound
Klingen describes the sound itself or the impression it creates. Erklingen, by contrast, emphasizes the beginning of an audible sound, especially with music, voices, or bells. Use klingen for the quality of the sound and erklingen for the moment it begins.
erklingen
Zu Beginn der Feier erklingt der Chor.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the choir rings out.
klingen
Der Chor klingt feierlich und kraftvoll.
The choir sounds solemn and powerful.
In real life
Loading video examples...