meistern
The English verb to master can be translated into German as meistern or beherrschen.
Meaning: to learn to a high degree (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| meistern | |
| beherrschen | [bəˈhɛɐ̯ʃn̩] (narrow) [bəˈhɛʁʃn̩] (narrow) |
Both verbs mean to learn something to a high degree, but they are used in different contexts. Use beherrschen when you are talking about the command or control of a specific skill, subject or language. Use meistern when you are referring to overcoming or successfully dealing with a difficult task, a challenge or a situation in life.
Which one should you use?
The main difference lies in the type of mastery being described. beherrschen is used for technical proficiency or the ability to use a skill, whereas meistern often implies that there was a struggle or a hurdle that had to be overcome.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both verbs are weak verbs.
Did you know?
- The verb beherrschen is rooted in the word Herr, meaning 'lord' or 'master'. In a literal sense, to master a skill in German is to act as the lord over that subject.
- In German, beherrschen can be used to describe emotional self-control, such as sich beherrschen meaning 'to keep one's cool'. This usage is distinct from the academic mastery of a subject.
- The word meistern is closely related to the German word Meister, which describes the highest level of certification for a skilled tradesperson in the traditional guild system.
Examples in context
- Ich möchte Schwedisch beherrschen.I want to master Swedish.This sentence demonstrates the use of beherrschen regarding language proficiency.Tatoeba #2840061 by Esperantostern, translation #2839968 by AlanF_US
- Ich will eine Fremdsprache meistern.I want to master a foreign language.This sentence shows how to use meistern in the context of a foreign language.Tatoeba #5967890 by Ronja, translation #5966183 by Joutsentaika
- Französisch ist nicht leicht zu meistern.French isn't easy to master.This sentence illustrates the use of meistern when describing something that is difficult to overcome.Tatoeba #8746742 by Yorwba, translation #8037728 by CK
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are discussing a difficult project at work.
- JuliaLukas, glaubst du, wir können das Projekt meistern?Lukas, do you think we can master the project?
- LukasJa, Julia, wir schaffen das bestimmt.Yes, Julia, we will definitely manage it.
- JuliaDas ist gut zu hören, ich war besorgt.That is good to hear, I was worried.
- LukasKeine Sorge, wir werden diese Hürde meistern.No worries, we will master this hurdle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “master” translations and entries meistern, beherrschen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
