01
ernten
to harvest
To gather ripe fruit, vegetables, or grain from a field, from trees, or from plants.
example
Im Herbst ernten die Bauern den Mais.
In autumn, the farmers harvest the corn.
ernten
to harvest
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'ernten' (to harvest) belongs to the noun 'die Ernte' (the harvest). 'Ernten' is the activity of gathering ripe crops, that is, the harvest.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem die Bauern den ganzen Sommer gearbeitet hatten, konnten sie im Herbst endlich ernten.
After the farmers had worked all summer, they could finally harvest in autumn.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object of the verb. If it is about plants or fruit, the literal meaning is intended. If it is about an abstract reaction, the figurative meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Wir ernten die Kirschen direkt vom Baum.
We harvest the cherries directly from the tree.
Typical collocations (literal)
In its literal meaning, 'ernten' (to harvest) is combined with agricultural products. Typical phrases are: 'Obst ernten' (to harvest fruit), 'Gemüse ernten' (to harvest vegetables), 'Getreide ernten' (to harvest grain), or 'Weintrauben ernten' (to harvest grapes).
EXAMPLE
Die Winzer beginnen nächste Woche, die Weintrauben zu ernten.
The winegrowers will start harvesting the grapes next week.
Typical collocations (figurative)
In the figurative meaning, 'ernten' (to reap) describes the result of an action. Common combinations are: 'Lob ernten' (to reap praise), 'Kritik ernten' (to reap criticism), 'Applaus ernten' (to reap applause), or 'Bewunderung ernten' (to reap admiration).
EXAMPLE
Mit ihrer Präsentation erntete die Studentin viel Lob vom Professor.
With her presentation, the student reaped a lot of praise from the professor.
Compare with
ernten vs bekommen
to get / receive
'bekommen' and 'ernten' can both express that someone receives a reaction or a result. 'bekommen' is the normal, broad word: you can get praise, help, an answer, or criticism. 'ernten' is used figuratively when a reaction is clearly the consequence of an action. For example, you can reap praise for good work or criticism for a mistake. The words can be confused because both are possible with praise and criticism. However, 'ernten' sounds more figurative and emphasizes more strongly that the result comes because of what someone did before.
ernten
Für ihre klare Präsentation erntete Sofia viel Lob vom Team.
Sofia reaped a lot of praise from the team for her clear presentation.
bekommen
Jan bekommt bei der Arbeit oft schnelle Antworten von seiner Kollegin.
At work, Jan often gets quick answers from his colleague.
In real life
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