Which one should you use?
While ich erinnere mich is the standard phrase for recollection, you might also encounter ich denke an, which translates to "I think of". These are used in similar contexts, but ich denke an implies a continuous thought rather than a sudden recollection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is reflexive and requires the reflexive pronoun mich to be grammatically complete. There are two main ways to structure the rest of the sentence depending on the case used: you can use the preposition an followed by the accusative case to remember someone or something, or you can use the genitive case directly after the verb. Using the genitive case is typical in formal or literary German.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying only ich erinnere. English speakers often mistakenly omit the reflexive pronoun mich, but the phrase is grammatically incomplete without it.
Did you know?
- The verb erinnern is closely related to the word Inneres, meaning 'interior'. To remember something in German is conceptually like bringing it back to the inside of your mind.
- In German, there is a subtle distinction between erinnern and gedenken. While ich erinnere mich is a personal recollection, gedenken is used for official commemorations, such as remembering fallen soldiers.
- The word ich evolved from the Proto-Germanic ek, which eventually shifted sounds to become the modern German ich.
Examples in context
- Ich erinnere mich ihrer.I remember them.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use ich erinnere mich with a genitive object.Tatoeba #3124894 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2247385 by CK
- Ich erinnere mich an sie.I remember her.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use ich erinnere mich with the preposition an and an accusative object.Tatoeba #3124895 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3273275 by CM
- Ich erinnere mich an Tom.I remember Tom.Tatoeba #5244475 by christian42, translation #2235732 by CK
- Wenn ich mich richtig erinnere, haben wir uns schon einmal getroffen.If I remember correctly, we have met before.
- Ich weiß noch, wie wir als Kinder am See gespielt haben.I still remember how we used to play by the lake as children.
- 142 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are looking at an old photo album.
- LukasIch erinnere mich an diesen Urlaub.I remember this vacation.
- LauraDas war wirklich schön, oder?That was really nice, wasn't it?
- LukasJa, ich erinnere mich an alles.Yes, I remember everything.
- LauraLukas, wir sollten wieder verreisen.Lukas, we should travel again.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ich, mich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
