01
erleben
to experience
To personally go through and experience an event or situation, often with an emotional impact.
example
Auf seiner Weltreise hat er viele Abenteuer erlebt.
On his trip around the world, he experienced many adventures.
erleben
to experience
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Inseparable prefix 'er-'
'Erleben' (to experience) is an inseparable verb made up of the prefix 'er-' and the verb 'leben' (to live). The prefix 'er-' often indicates that an action leads to a result or an experience for the person.
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, du erlebst einen wunderschönen Tag.
I hope you experience a wonderful day.
Always with accusative
The verb 'erleben' (to experience) is transitive and always needs a direct object in the accusative. You always experience 'etwas' (something).
EXAMPLE
Letztes Jahr haben wir einen sehr milden Winter erlebt.
Last year we experienced a very mild winter.
Typical collocations
'Erleben' (to experience) is often combined with emotional or significant events. Typical collocations are 'ein Abenteuer erleben' (to experience an adventure), 'eine Überraschung erleben' (to experience a surprise), 'schöne Momente erleben' (to experience beautiful moments), or 'eine Enttäuschung erleben' (to experience a disappointment).
EXAMPLE
Bei ihrem ersten Fallschirmsprung hat sie puren Nervenkitzel erlebt.
During her first skydive, she experienced pure excitement.
Use with 'als'
To express how one perceives a person or thing, the structure 'jemanden/etwas als ... erleben' (to experience/perceive someone/something as ...) is used. The word 'als' (as) is essential for this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl er streng aussieht, habe ich ihn als sehr herzlichen Menschen erlebt.
Although he looks strict, I experienced him as a very warm person.
Compare with
erleben vs leben
to live
'leben' and 'erleben' both have to do with one's own life and with experiences. 'leben' means that someone is alive or leads a particular kind of life. 'erleben' is used when someone personally goes through an event or situation. Learners may confuse the words because 'leben' is part of both words. In practice: you live your life, but you experience special moments, problems, or events.
erleben
Bei der Reise hat die Gruppe viele schöne Momente erlebt.
On the trip, the group experienced many wonderful moments.
leben
Nach dem Unfall lebt mein Onkel zum Glück noch.
Fortunately, my uncle is still alive after the accident.
In real life
Loading video examples...