to explain
Loading your saved state.
to explain
To explain something in detail and in an understandable way, often through additional information, examples, or background.
Könnten Sie Ihren Standpunkt bitte genauer erläutern?
Could you please explain your point of view in more detail?
'Erläutern' (to explain) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'er-'. The word stem is related to 'laut' (in the sense of 'clear' or 'distinct'). So the verb means to make something clear and understandable.
Die Wissenschaftlerin erläuterte ihre Forschungsergebnisse.
The scientist explained her research findings.
'Erläutern' (to explain) usually needs an accusative object (what is being explained?). You can additionally add a person in the dative (to whom is it being explained?). The pattern is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) erläutern.
Der Architekt erläuterte den Bauherren den neuen Entwurf.
The architect explained the new design to the clients.
This verb belongs to a more formal register. It is often used in presentations, academic texts, or official meetings to present complex matters in detail.
In seinem Vortrag wird der Experte die wirtschaftlichen Zusammenhänge erläutern.
In his lecture, the expert will explain the economic connections.
to explain / declare
Erklären generally means making a situation understandable. Erläutern places greater emphasis on providing additional details, examples, or background information. Erklären is suitable for a basic presentation; for a more in-depth presentation, erläutern is often the better choice.
Danach erläutert die Lehrerin das Wahlsystem an einem konkreten Beispiel.
The teacher then explains the electoral system in detail using a specific example.
Die Lehrerin erklärt zunächst, wie das Wahlsystem funktioniert.
The teacher first explains how the electoral system works.
