01
erobern
to conquer
To take control of an area, city, or country by military force.
example
Die Armee eroberte die feindliche Festung nach langer Belagerung.
The army conquered the enemy fortress after a long siege.
erobern
to conquer
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The verb 'erobern' (to conquer) is inseparable. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die Römer eroberten große Teile Europas.
The Romans conquered large parts of Europe.
Meaning of the prefix
The prefix 'er-' often expresses that an action is successfully completed. So 'erobern' (to conquer) means to successfully bring something into one's possession through effort or struggle.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft eroberte den ersten Platz in der Liga.
The team captured first place in the league.
Context clue
The exact meaning of 'erobern' (to conquer) depends strongly on the object. If it is a country, a city, or a fortress, the military meaning is intended. With 'Herz' (heart), it is about love; with 'Markt' (market), about economic success; and with 'Gipfel' (summit), about mountaineering.
EXAMPLE
Das Start-up will den amerikanischen Markt erobern.
The start-up wants to capture the American market.
Typical expression
In a figurative sense, the expression 'jemandes Herz erobern' (to win someone's heart) is very common. It is often used with the addition 'im Sturm' (in no time / overwhelmingly) to describe a quick and overwhelming effect.
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner freundlichen Art eroberte er die Herzen der Zuschauer im Sturm.
With his friendly manner, he won the audience's hearts in no time.
Compare with
erobern vs erreichen
to reach
'erreichen' and 'erobern' can both mean that you reach a goal after effort. 'erreichen' is neutral and fits places, goals, or states. 'erobern' is stronger and more figurative. It suggests struggle, special effort, or winning something for yourself. For example, you can 'einen Berggipfel erobern' (conquer a mountain summit) if the route was difficult, or 'das Interesse einer Person erobern' (win a person's interest). Learners may confuse the words because 'erobern' can sometimes feel like a particularly strong version of 'erreichen'. In everyday language, 'erreichen' is often more neutral and precise; 'erobern' fits when success, gain, or effort should be emphasized.
erobern
Nach vier Stunden Wanderung haben wir endlich den Gipfel erobert.
After four hours of hiking, we finally conquered the summit.
erreichen
Am Morgen erreicht der Bus trotz Regen pünktlich die Innenstadt.
In the morning, the bus reaches the city center on time despite the rain.
In real life
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