to awaken
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to awaken
To wake up from sleep; to regain consciousness. Often used in elevated or literary language.
Als sie erwachte, schien die Sonne bereits durch das Fenster.
When she awoke, the sun was already shining through the window.
The verb 'erwachen' (to awaken) is inseparable. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'wachen' in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Jeden Morgen erwacht er um Punkt sieben Uhr.
Every morning he awakens at exactly seven o'clock.
The perfect tense of 'erwachen' (to awaken) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). The reason is that the verb describes a change of state—from sleeping to being awake.
Nach einem langen Winterschlaf sind die Bären wieder erwacht.
After a long hibernation, the bears have awakened again.
In the meaning of 'aufwachen' (to wake up), 'erwachen' (to awaken) belongs to an elevated, often literary or poetic style of speech. It sounds more formal and less everyday.
Der Prinz küsste Dornröschen, worauf sie aus ihrem hundertjährigen Schlaf erwachte.
The prince kissed Sleeping Beauty, whereupon she awoke from her hundred-year sleep.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the subject of the sentence. If it is an abstract concept such as 'Interesse' (interest), 'Hoffnung' (hope), or 'die Natur' (nature), it almost always means arising or beginning.
Im Frühling erwacht die Natur zu neuem Leben.
In spring, nature awakens to new life.
to begin
'beginnen' and 'erwachen' can both express that something is starting anew. 'beginnen' is the normal word for the start of actions, states, or processes. In its figurative meaning, 'erwachen' is more imagery-based and elevated. It is used more for feelings, interests, or movements that slowly come to life. In everyday language, people usually say 'beginnen'. 'erwachen' fits when the sentence is meant to sound a bit more poetic or solemn.
Nach der Reise erwacht in Paul ein neues Interesse an fremden Sprachen.
After the trip, a new interest in foreign languages awakens in Paul.
Nach dem Frühstück beginnt die Besprechung mit einer kurzen Frage.
After breakfast, the meeting begins with a short question.