01
erwählen
to choose / elect
To select someone for a special task, office, or destiny. The word has an elevated or solemn meaning.
example
Er fühlte sich dazu erwählt, den Menschen in Not zu helfen.
He felt chosen to help people in need.
erwählen
to choose / elect
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Meanings
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'er-' is inseparable and always remains attached to the verb 'wählen' (to choose/vote). It gives the action a special sense of completion or destiny.
EXAMPLE
Das Volk erwählte sie zur neuen Präsidentin.
The people elected her as the new president.
Elevated style
'Erwählen' (to choose/elect) is a very formal and literary word. It is not used for everyday decisions, but for the solemn selection of a person for an important role or special destiny.
EXAMPLE
In der Legende wird ein einfacher Junge zum König erwählt.
In the legend, a simple boy is chosen to be king.
Sentence structure with 'zu'
The purpose or role for which someone is selected is often expressed with the preposition 'zu' and the dative. The passive is also very common: 'jemand wird zu etwas erwählt' (someone is chosen/elected to something).
EXAMPLE
Sie wurde dazu erwählt, ihr Land bei den Verhandlungen zu vertreten.
She was chosen to represent her country in the negotiations.
Compare with
erwählen vs wählen
to vote / choose / dial
'wählen' and 'erwählen' both have to do with deciding in favor of a person or thing. 'wählen' is the normal word when you choose one option from several possibilities. It also fits in the context of political elections. 'erwählen' sounds elevated or solemn and means that someone is selected for a special task, office, or destiny. Learners may confuse the words because both can mean 'auswählen' (to select / choose). In everyday language, however, you almost always say 'wählen'; 'erwählen' fits more in solemn, religious, or very formal texts.
erwählen
Der Rat erwählte ihn zum neuen Sprecher der Gruppe.
The council elected him as the group's new spokesperson.
wählen
Lea hat für das Wochenende ein kleines Hotel am See gewählt.
Lea chose a small hotel by the lake for the weekend.
In real life
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