Lernen
/ˈlɛrnən/neuter
The English word "learning" is translated into German as Lernen.
Lernen refers to the action or process of learning. This covers both the acquisition of a new skill, such as a language and the act of studying for an exam.
Meaning: action of the verb (noun)
Which one should you use?
The lowercase lernen is the verb meaning "to learn" or "to study", whereas the capitalized Lernen is the noun meaning "learning".
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, the gerund Lernen is always neuter and is typically used with the definite article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlɛrnən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using studieren to mean you are studying for a test. In German, studieren specifically refers to being enrolled in a degree program at a university.
Did you know?
- To describe someone who is 'learned' or scholarly, German uses the adjective gebildet. This comes from the word for 'formed' or 'shaped', rather than the word for 'learning'.
- In Germany, a Lehrling is an apprentice. The word is derived from the same root as Lernen, meaning someone who is in the state of learning a trade.
- In a school context, the 'learning' phase of a lesson is often called Erarbeitungsphase, which literally means the 'working-out phase'.
Examples in context
- Wo lernen Sie Spanisch?Where are you learning Spanish?This sentence is useful for asking about the location where someone is performing the action of Lernen.Tatoeba #13600630 by Waldelfe, translation #9444574 by sundown
- Wir lernen neue Vokabeln.We're learning new vocabulary.This sentence shows the use of Lernen when describing the act of acquiring new vocabulary.Tatoeba #7500668 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11419714 by sundown
- Wie lernen Sie Esperanto?How are you learning Esperanto?This sentence shows how to ask about the method used for Lernen.Tatoeba #8246084 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5272626 by kemushi69
- Das Lernen ist ein lebenslanger ProzessLearning is a lifelong process
- Bildung ist der Schlüssel zum ErfolgEducation/learning is the key to success
- Ich liebe das Lernen neuer SprachenI love learning new languages
- Der Lernprozess kann manchmal schwierig seinThe learning process can sometimes be challenging
- Ich bilde mich gerne weiterI enjoy continuing my education/learning
- 269 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are talking about their hobbies.
- JulianWas machst du in deiner Freizeit, Sarah?What do you do in your free time, Sarah?
- SarahIch liebe das Lernen von neuen Sprachen.I love the learning of new languages.
- JulianDas ist ein tolles Hobby, Julian findet das super.That is a great hobby, Julian thinks that's great.
- SarahJa, das Lernen macht mir einfach Spaß.Yes, learning is simply fun for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “learning” translations and entries Lernen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry lernen.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
