to reply / reciprocate
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to reply
To answer or respond directly to a question, statement, or action. It often has a formal or slightly sharp undertone.
„Das geht Sie nichts an“, erwiderte er kühl auf die neugierige Frage.
'That is none of your business,' he replied coolly to the nosy question.
The verb has the prefix 'er-' and is inseparable. The word stem 'wider' means 'against' or 'back', which reinforces the idea of 'giving back' an answer or a feeling.
Er erwiderte nichts auf die schwere Anschuldigung.
He replied nothing to the serious accusation.
'Erwidern' (to reply/reciprocate) belongs to written language and is often used in formal or literary contexts. It sounds more refined and more distant.
Auf die Frage des Journalisten erwiderte der Politiker nur mit einem Lächeln.
To the journalist's question, the politician replied only with a smile.
When 'erwidern' (to reply) introduces a direct answer, it often comes after the quotation. The subject then follows directly after the verb.
„Das habe ich nicht gewusst“, erwiderte sie leise.
'I didn't know that,' she replied quietly.
In the meaning 'zurückgeben' (to return), 'erwidern' (to reciprocate) is often combined with feelings or social gestures. Typical phrases are 'Liebe erwidern' (to reciprocate love), 'einen Gruß erwidern' (to return a greeting), or 'einen Blick erwidern' (to return a look).
Sie lächelte ihn an, aber er erwiderte ihren Blick nicht.
She smiled at him, but he did not return her gaze.
to answer
'beantworten' and 'erwidern' can both mean that you respond to something. 'beantworten' is used especially for questions, letters, emails, or inquiries. It sounds factual and neutral. 'erwidern' is more suitable for a direct reaction to a statement, an accusation, a gesture, or a feeling. It often sounds somewhat more formal and can also show that someone is disagreeing or responding in a particular tone. The words can be confused because both describe a kind of answer. When it is about a specific question or message, 'beantworten' is usually more natural. When a person directly says something back or returns a feeling, 'erwidern' fits better.
Der Gast erwiderte höflich, dass er morgen leider keine Zeit habe.
The guest replied politely that unfortunately he had no time tomorrow.
Vor dem Termin beantwortet die Lehrerin noch die Fragen der Klasse.
Before the appointment, the teacher answers the class's questions.