erwärmen
to warm / heat
To bring something to a higher temperature by adding heat; to make something warm.
EXAMPLE
Ich erwärme mir die Reste von gestern in der Mikrowelle.
I'm heating up yesterday's leftovers in the microwave.
erwärmen
to warm / heat
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Meanings
sich erwärmen für
to warm to
To begin to develop interest in or sympathy for a person, thing, or idea.
EXAMPLE
Nach langem Zögern konnte er sich doch noch für die Reise erwärmen.
After hesitating for a long time, he did eventually warm to the trip.
erwärmen
to warm
To touch or delight someone emotionally.
EXAMPLE
Ihre freundlichen Worte erwärmten sein Herz.
Her kind words warmed his heart.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The verb 'erwärmen' (to warm/heat) has the inseparable prefix 'er-'. This means the prefix remains firmly attached to the verb 'wärmen' (to warm) in all sentence forms and tenses and is never separated.
EXAMPLE
Er erwärmte die Milch für den Kakao.
He warmed the milk for the cocoa.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'erwärmen' (to warm/heat) from the object: if it is about a concrete object like food or water, it is meant literally. The reflexive form 'sich erwärmen für' (to warm to) means to develop interest. In connection with 'Herz' (heart), it is meant emotionally.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte das Essen erwärmen?
Can you please heat up the food?
Sentence structure with preposition
In the figurative meaning 'Interesse entwickeln' (to develop interest), 'erwärmen' (to warm) is always used reflexively and with the preposition 'für' + accusative. So the structure is: 'sich für etwas erwärmen' (to warm to something).
EXAMPLE
Anfangs war sie skeptisch, aber dann erwärmte sie sich für die Idee.
At first she was skeptical, but then she warmed to the idea.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'erwärmen' (to warm/heat) is often used with foods and drinks. Typical combinations are 'die Suppe erwärmen' (to heat up the soup), 'die Milch erwärmen' (to warm the milk), or 'das Essen erwärmen' (to heat up the food).
EXAMPLE
Er erwärmt sich eine Tasse Tee, um sich aufzuwärmen.
He warms himself a cup of tea to warm up.
Fixed expression
In the emotional meaning, the expression 'jemandem das Herz erwärmen' (to warm someone's heart) is very common. The subject is often a kind gesture, a friendly word, or a beautiful sight.
EXAMPLE
Die Dankbarkeit des Kindes erwärmte ihr Herz.
The child's gratitude warmed her heart.
Compare with
erwärmen vs berühren
to touch
Berühren generally describes an emotional effect and can evoke positive, sad, or mixed feelings. In this context, erwärmen refers to a positive, pleasing effect. For an open or sad feeling, berühren is appropriate; for comforting joy, erwärmen is more suitable.
erwärmen
Die herzliche Nachricht über ihre Rückkehr erwärmt das ganze Team.
The heartfelt news of her return warms the entire team.
berühren
Die traurige Nachricht über ihren Abschied berührt das ganze Team.
The sad news of her departure touches the entire team.
In real life
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