01
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
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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' both mean that someone passes on information. 'sagen' is usually short and focused on a single statement. 'erzählen' fits when someone reports in more detail, for example about an experience, a story, or an event. Learners confuse the words because when telling a story, you also say sentences. As a guide: you use 'sagen' for a time, an answer, or a short piece of information. You use 'erzählen' to tell about a vacation, a problem, or a story.
erzählen
Die Eltern haben am Abend von ihrer Reise nach Italien erzählt.
In the evening, the parents told us about their trip to Italy.
sagen
Bitte sag mir kurz, ob du morgen Zeit hast.
Please tell me briefly whether you have time tomorrow.
In real life
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