01
genießen
to enjoy
To experience something as pleasant and good, either through the senses or as a feeling.
example
Ich genieße die Ruhe am Morgen, bevor alle aufwachen.
I enjoy the quiet in the morning before everyone wakes up.
genießen
to enjoy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Always with the accusative
The verb 'genießen' (to enjoy) always needs an accusative object. You ask: Whom or what do I enjoy? So the thing you enjoy is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Wir genießen den warmen Sommerabend auf dem Balkon.
We are enjoying the warm summer evening on the balcony.
Word family
'Genießen' (to enjoy) belongs to the word family of 'der Genuss' (enjoyment/pleasure). When you enjoy something, you experience pleasure. This helps you remember the meaning.
EXAMPLE
Ein gutes Essen mit Freunden ist für mich ein echter Genuss.
A good meal with friends is a real pleasure for me.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'genießen' (to enjoy) is combined with things that you perceive with the senses or experience as pleasant: die Sonne genießen (to enjoy the sun), ein gutes Buch genießen (to enjoy a good book), die Stille genießen (to enjoy the silence), das Wochenende genießen (to enjoy the weekend).
EXAMPLE
Am Sonntag genieße ich es, lange zu schlafen.
On Sundays, I enjoy sleeping in.
Enjoying abstract things
This meaning is used for abstract, positive things that someone has earned. Typical combinations are: 'Vertrauen genießen' (to enjoy trust), 'einen guten Ruf genießen' (to enjoy a good reputation), or 'Respekt genießen' (to enjoy respect).
EXAMPLE
Die Professorin genießt bei ihren Studenten großes Vertrauen.
The professor enjoys great trust among her students.
Compare with
genießen vs essen
to eat
'essen' and 'genießen' can both have to do with a meal. 'essen' mainly describes the action: someone takes in solid food. 'genießen', on the other hand, emphasizes that something is pleasant and that you consciously like it. So you can eat something quickly without really enjoying it. Learners may confuse the words because people often enjoy tasty food. If only the act of eating is important, 'essen' fits. If pleasure, calm, or taste is the focus, 'genießen' fits better.
genießen
Emma genießt den warmen Tee im Garten, weil es endlich ruhig ist.
Emma enjoys the warm tea in the garden because it is finally quiet.
essen
Wegen des langen Arbeitstags esse ich heute nur schnell eine Suppe.
Because of the long workday, I’m just eating a quick soup today.
In real life
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