erinnern
[ʔɛɐ̯ˈʔɪnɐn]
The English phrase 'remind' is translated into German as erinnern. Wiktionary also lists in Erinnerung bringen.
Meaning: cause one to experience a memory, bring to a person's notice (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| erinnern | [ʔɛɐ̯ˈʔɪnɐn] (narrow) [ʔɛɐ̯ˈʁɪnɐn] (narrow) |
| in Erinnerung bringen |
The verb is used to cause someone to experience a memory or to bring something to a person's notice.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase in Erinnerung bringen literally means 'to bring into memory'.
Which one should you use?
While erinnern can mean 'to remind', the reflexive form sich erinnern an is used to mean 'to remember'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 'erinnern' requires the preposition 'an' followed by the accusative case when used to mean 'remind of something or someone'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use erinnern as a transitive verb without a preposition, but in German, to say 'remind me of something', you must use erinnere mich an etwas.
Did you know?
- The phrase in Erinnerung bringen is often preferred in polite correspondence over erinnern to avoid sounding like the speaker is accusing the listener of forgetting.
- In a professional context, a formal reminder sent via email is often called a Mahnung, which is more closely related to 'admonishment' than 'reminding'.
- If you want to say 'remind me' as a quick note to oneself, Germans might use vormerken which literally means 'to pre-note'.
Examples in context
- Ich werde dich erinnern.I'll remind you.This sentence shows how to use erinnern for a simple reminder.Tatoeba #3622119 by Esperantostern, translation #10573170 by sundown
- Sie erinnern mich an Tom.You remind me of Tom.This sentence demonstrates using erinnern to say someone reminds you of another person.Tatoeba #3248736 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3239841 by Hybrid
- Sie erinnern mich an ihn.You remind me of him.This sentence shows how to use erinnern to say someone reminds you of him.Tatoeba #3949544 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3911613 by CH
- Erinnern Sie mich bitte an unseren Termin morgenPlease remind me of our appointment tomorrow
- Können Sie mich daran erinnern, meine Hausaufgaben abzugeben?Can you remind me to hand in my homework?
- Ich möchte Sie darauf aufmerksam machen, dass die Präsentation heute um 15 Uhr beginntI would like to remind you that the presentation starts at 3 PM today
- Erinnerst du mich bitte daran, Milch zu kaufen?Can you remind me to buy milk?
- Kannst du mich dran erinnern, den Müll rauszubringen?Can you remind me to take out the trash?
- Ich wollte dich an die Party nächste Woche erinnernI wanted to remind you of the party next week
- Könnten Sie mich bitte morgen daran erinnern, den Bericht abzugeben?Could you please remind me tomorrow to submit the report?
- Kannst du mich dran erinnern, rechtzeitig zum Flughafen zu kommen?Can you remind me to arrive at the airport on time?
- Ich möchte dich daran erinnern, dass wir uns um 19 Uhr zum Abendessen treffen.I would like to remind you that we're meeting for dinner at 7 PM.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are talking in their kitchen about a shared task.
- JulianKannst du mich bitte an den Einkauf erinnern?Can you please remind me about the shopping?
- SarahNatürlich, Julian, ich erinnere dich später daran.Of course, Julian, I will remind you later.
- JulianDas ist sehr lieb von dir.That is very kind of you.
- SarahKein Problem, ich schreibe es auf.No problem, I'll write it down.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “remind” translations and entries erinnern, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
