01
erraten
to guess
To find the correct answer to a question or riddle by guessing, assuming, or using intuition.
example
Ich habe ihr Alter auf Anhieb richtig erraten.
I guessed her age correctly right away.
erraten
to guess
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Erraten' (to guess) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' always stays connected to the stem 'raten' (to guess / to advise). It often indicates that an action is successfully completed — so you have guessed successfully.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat das Passwort beim ersten Versuch erraten.
She guessed the password on the first try.
Use with the accusative
The verb 'erraten' (to guess) always requires an accusative object. You always guess 'etwas' (something).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mein Alter erraten?
Can you guess my age?
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'erraten' is often used with riddles or secret information. Typical objects are: a riddle, a number, a word, a secret, or a gift.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielten ein Spiel, bei dem sie Tiergeräusche erraten mussten.
The children played a game in which they had to guess animal sounds.
Thoughts and feelings
When it comes to people, 'erraten' is often used to express that you understand nonverbal signals. For example, you can guess thoughts, wishes, or intentions.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauchte nichts zu sagen; sie hatte meine Wünsche bereits erraten.
I didn't need to say anything; she had already guessed my wishes.
Compare with
erraten vs treffen
to meet / to hit
'treffen' and 'erraten' can both have to do with finding something correct. In this meaning, 'treffen' is often about capturing the right point or the essence of something, for example with an answer or comment. 'erraten' is used when you find the right solution by guessing, supposing, or feeling. This is especially fitting for riddles, questions, or also other people's thoughts and feelings. The words can be confused because both express a correct result. If you really guessed, 'erraten' is more precise. If a statement fits exactly or captures the essence, 'treffen' sounds more natural.
erraten
Meine Freundin hat sofort erraten, warum ich so nervös war.
My friend guessed right away why I was so nervous.
treffen
Mit deiner Antwort triffst du genau den wichtigen Punkt.
With your answer, you hit exactly the important point.
In real life
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