erzählen
to tell
To recount a story, event, or piece of information orally or in writing.
EXAMPLE
Der Großvater erzählte oft spannende Geschichten aus seiner Jugend.
The grandfather often told exciting stories from his youth.
erzählen
to tell
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Meanings
erzählen von
to tell about
To report or talk about a person, thing, or experience.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat uns begeistert von ihrem Urlaub in Italien erzählt.
She enthusiastically told us about her vacation in Italy.
erzählen
to talk nonsense
Used colloquially to present a statement as unbelievable, exaggerated, or as an excuse.
EXAMPLE
Du willst das alles an einem Tag geschafft haben? Erzähl doch keinen Unsinn!
You claim you managed all of that in one day? Don't talk nonsense!
Usage tips
Sentence structure with dative
The verb 'erzählen' (to tell) is very often used with two objects: the person to whom something is told is in the dative, and the thing being told is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir (Dativ) bitte die ganze Geschichte (Akkusativ) erzählen?
Can you tell me (dative) the whole story (accusative), please?
Inseparable verb
'Erzählen' (to tell) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'er-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all conjugated forms and sentence types.
EXAMPLE
Sie erzählte, dass sie bald umziehen wird.
She told us that she will move soon.
Preposition 'von'
When reporting about a topic or experience in general, you often use the preposition 'von' followed by the dative. This is an alternative to direct telling with an accusative object.
EXAMPLE
Er hat lange von seiner Reise durch Asien erzählt.
He talked for a long time about his trip through Asia.
Colloquial use
In colloquial speech, 'erzählen' (to tell) is often used to express disbelief or rejection. Typical exclamations are 'Erzähl keinen Quatsch!' (Don't talk nonsense!) or 'Was erzählst du denn da?' (What are you talking about?).
EXAMPLE
Du willst den ganzen Kuchen allein gegessen haben? Erzähl mir doch nichts!
You claim you ate the whole cake by yourself? Don't give me that!
Compare with
erzählen vs sagen
to say
Sagen and erzählen are both used to pass on information. Sagen is especially suitable for a single, brief statement. Erzählen usually refers to a more detailed or connected account of an event or experience.
erzählen
Mara erzählte mir ausführlich, wie anstrengend die Reise gewesen war.
Mara told me in detail how exhausting the trip had been.
sagen
Mara sagte mir, dass die Reise anstrengend war.
Mara told me that the trip had been exhausting.
In real life
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