to clarify
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to clarify
To solve and make understandable a problem, question, or misunderstanding. To clear something up or resolve it.
Wir müssen dringend klären, wer für diese Aufgabe verantwortlich ist.
We urgently need to clarify who is responsible for this task.
to clear up
To resolve itself or become understandable on its own. This refers to a situation, a conflict, or even the weather.
Warte einfach ab, die Angelegenheit wird sich schon von selbst klären.
Just wait and see; the matter will clear itself up.
to clarify
To purify a liquid by removing solid or cloudy particles from it so that it becomes transparent.
Der Koch lässt die Brühe langsam köcheln, um sie zu klären.
The cook lets the broth simmer slowly in order to clarify it.
The verb 'klären' (to clarify) comes from the adjective 'klar' (clear). The basic meaning is always to make something 'klar' (clear)—whether it is a problem, a liquid, or an unclear situation.
Nach dem Gespräch war die Situation endlich klar.
After the conversation, the situation was finally clear.
In its most common meaning, 'klären' is used with abstract nouns. Typical objects are 'ein Problem' (a problem), 'eine Frage' (a question), 'ein Missverständnis' (a misunderstanding), 'die Details' (the details), or 'die Fronten' (the battle lines/positions).
Bevor wir anfangen, müssen wir ein paar wichtige Fragen klären.
Before we start, we need to clarify a few important questions.
The reflexive form 'sich klären' means that something resolves itself or improves on its own, without anyone actively intervening. This is often used for situations and also for the weather.
Mach dir keine Sorgen, das Problem wird sich von selbst klären.
Don't worry, the problem will clear itself up.
The meaning 'eine Flüssigkeit reinigen' (to purify a liquid) is a technical term from cooking or chemistry. You can recognize it from the context through words like 'Brühe' (broth), 'Suppe' (soup), 'Wein' (wine), or 'Butter' (butter).
Um geklärte Butter herzustellen, muss man sie langsam erhitzen.
To make clarified butter, you have to heat it slowly.
to explain / declare
Erklären makes content understandable, while klären resolves an open question, problem, or misunderstanding. You explain, for example, a rule; by contrast, you clarify which rule applies in an unclear situation.
Die Lehrerin klärt mit den Schülern, welche Regel in diesem Fall gilt.
The teacher clarifies with the students which rule applies in this case.
Die Lehrerin erklärt den Schülern die neue Regel.
The teacher explains the new rule to the students.
