to encourage
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to encourage
To encourage or motivate someone to do something. Often used in the construction 'jemanden zu etwas ermuntern' (to encourage someone to do something).
Ihre Freunde ermunterten sie, sich für die Stelle zu bewerben.
Her friends encouraged her to apply for the position.
to cheer up
To cheer someone up, make them happier or more alert.
Ein starker Kaffee am Morgen kann müde Geister ermuntern.
A strong coffee in the morning can perk up tired minds.
The verb is derived from the adjective 'munter' (lively, awake). The prefix 'er-' here describes bringing about a state. So 'ermuntern' (to encourage/cheer up) literally means to make someone 'munter' (lively/awake) — either more motivated or more alert.
Ein freundliches Wort kann einen traurigen Menschen oft ermuntern.
A kind word can often cheer up a sad person.
'Ermuntern' (to encourage) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' always stays connected to the verb stem, including in a main clause or in the past participle (ermuntert).
Der Lehrer ermuntert seine Schüler, Fragen zu stellen.
The teacher encourages his students to ask questions.
When you encourage someone to carry out a specific action, the construction 'jemanden zu etwas ermuntern' (to encourage someone to do something) is used. After 'zu' comes either a noun in the dative or an infinitive at the end of the sentence.
Ich möchte dich zu einer Teilnahme am Wettbewerb ermuntern.
I would like to encourage you to participate in the competition.
'Ermuntern' (to encourage) belongs to a somewhat elevated or written style. It often sounds a little gentler and more formal.
Wir möchten Sie ermuntern, von unserem Angebot Gebrauch zu machen.
We would like to encourage you to make use of our offer.
to encourage
Both words mean moving a hesitant person to do something. Ermutigen emphasizes more strongly that fear or uncertainty is reduced; ermuntern often sounds like a friendly, gentle nudge. Ermutigen is more appropriate for a difficult decision, while ermuntern is more suitable for a casual prompt.
Seine Freundin ermunterte ihn freundlich, noch ein Stück weiterzugehen.
His girlfriend kindly encouraged him to walk a little farther.
Seine Freundin ermutigte ihn, trotz seiner Angst vor dem Publikum zu sprechen.
His girlfriend encouraged him to speak despite his fear of the audience.
