Erfahrung
/ɛɐ̯ˈfaːʁʊŋ/feminine
The English word experience is translated into German as Erfahrung.
Erfahrung is the most common and general term for experience in German. Depending on the context, other specific terms may be more appropriate: Berufserfahrung refers to professional experience (often used in a CV), Praxiserfahrung refers to practical experience gained through hands-on activities or internships and Erfahrungswert refers to the gained knowledge or lessons learned from experience. While Erfahrung covers general knowledge gathered, Eindruck is used for impressions based on personal perception and Erlebnis describes personal experiences that involve strong emotional involvement or memorable events.
Meaning: the knowledge thus gathered (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, 'experience' is often used as an uncountable noun, but in German, you can use the plural form Erfahrungen to refer to specific individual events or multiple distinct experiences.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Erfahrung is Erfahrungen. Erfahrung is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛɐ̯ˈfaːʁʊŋ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the noun Erfahrung (experience) with the verbs erfahren (to find out or learn) or erleben (to experience or live through an event).
Did you know?
- The word Erfahrung is closely related to the German word for 'travel' or 'journey' through its root fahren. Historically, gaining experience was linked to the act of traveling.
- The noun Erfahrung is built from the verb erfahren, which means 'to find out' or 'to learn'. This suggests that, in the German mindset, experience is something you actively discover rather than something that just happens to you.
- The word Erfahrungswert describes the 'value' of an experience. It is often used in technical or statistical contexts to mean a 'benchmark' or a 'standard value' derived from previous data.
Examples in context
- Tom hat viel Erfahrung.Tom has a lot of experience.This sentence shows how to state that Tom has a lot of experience.Tatoeba #1555985 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1093742 by CK
- Hast du viel Erfahrung?Do you have a lot of experience?This sentence is a way to ask someone if they have a lot of experience.Tatoeba #12536836 by Waldelfe, translation #6048693 by CK
- Ich habe viel Erfahrung.I have a lot of experience.This sentence is a way to state that you personally have a lot of experience.Tatoeba #6798742 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6665845 by CK
- Ich habe viel Erfahrung in meinem Beruf.I have a lot of experience in my profession.
- Ich habe bereits einige Jahre Praxiserfahrung in diesem Bereich gesammelt.I have already gained several years of practical experience in this field.
- Der Ausflug war ein einmaliges Erlebnis für mich.The trip was a unique experience for me.
- Mein Erlebnis im Freizeitpark war wirklich aufregend.My experience at the amusement park was really exciting.
- Die Erlebnisse während meines Urlaubs in Bayern waren unvergesslich.The experiences during my vacation in Bavaria were unforgettable.
- 253 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing their professional backgrounds at a cafe.
- MaximilianDeine Erfahrung in diesem Bereich ist beeindruckend.Your experience in this field is impressive.
- SarahDanke, ich habe viele Jahre damit verbracht.Thanks, I have spent many years with it.
- MaximilianDas hilft uns bei dem neuen Projekt.That helps us with the new project.
- SarahIch werde mein Bestes geben.I will do my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “experience” translations and entries Erfahrung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Erfahrung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
