01
spüren
to feel
To perceive something physically, for example through the skin or other senses.
example
Ich spüre die Sonne auf meinem Gesicht.
I feel the sun on my face.
spüren
to feel / sense
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Spüren' (to feel/sense) is related to the noun 'die Spur' (the track/trace). Originally, it meant to follow a trail. Today it describes perceiving something that is not always directly visible, as if one were following a track.
EXAMPLE
Der Jäger spürte das Wild im Wald auf.
The hunter tracked down the game in the forest.
Sentence structure
'Spüren' is usually used with an accusative object that describes what one feels. However, it can also be used with a subordinate clause with 'dass' or with an infinitive construction to express a more complex perception.
EXAMPLE
Ich spüre einen leichten Schmerz im Rücken.
I feel a slight pain in my back.
Typical collocations (body)
For physical perceptions, 'spüren' is often combined with sensory impressions: 'die Wärme spüren' (to feel the warmth), 'den Wind spüren' (to feel the wind), 'den eigenen Herzschlag spüren' (to feel one's own heartbeat), or 'einen Stich spüren' (to feel a sharp pain/sting).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Spaziergang spürte er seine Füße kaum noch.
After the long walk, he could hardly feel his feet anymore.
Typical collocations (feelings)
For intuitive perceptions, 'spüren' is connected with emotions or atmospheres: 'die Angst spüren' (to sense fear), 'die Freude spüren' (to sense joy), 'eine Veränderung spüren' (to sense a change), or 'die Anspannung spüren' (to sense the tension).
EXAMPLE
Obwohl niemand etwas sagte, konnte man die Nervosität im Raum spüren.
Although no one said anything, you could sense the nervousness in the room.
Typical collocations (consequences)
When referring to consequences, 'spüren' is often used in economic or social contexts: 'die Folgen spüren' (to feel the consequences), 'die Auswirkungen spüren' (to feel the effects), or 'den wirtschaftlichen Druck spüren' (to feel the economic pressure).
EXAMPLE
Die Bevölkerung spürt die Auswirkungen der neuen Politik.
The population is feeling the effects of the new policy.
Compare with
spüren vs erfahren
to learn / experience
'erfahren' and 'spüren' can both describe something reaching a person or affecting them inwardly. 'erfahren' is more appropriate when you experience or go through something, for example a difficult time or a change. 'spüren' puts more emphasis on perception: you feel something in your body or mood, or you notice the effects of something. Learners can confuse the words because you can both 'erfahren' and 'spüren' the effects of a situation. In practical terms: 'erfahren' is more about the experience itself, while 'spüren' is more about the feeling or the effect.
spüren
Heute spürt sie im Büro deutlich den Stress der letzten Wochen.
Today at the office, she clearly feels the stress of the past few weeks.
erfahren
Nach dem Unfall hat die Familie viel Hilfe von den Nachbarn erfahren.
After the accident, the family received a lot of help from the neighbors.
In real life
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