Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| lernen | /ˈlɛrnən/ |
| studieren | /ʃtuˈdiːrən/ |
The English verb 'to study' can be translated in several ways in German. Use lernen for the general act of learning a skill, practicing or studying for a specific subject or test. Use studieren specifically when referring to being enrolled in a degree program at a university or a higher education institution. Additionally, the related noun Studie can refer to an academic publication or an artwork created to practice a specific technique.
Which one should you use?
While lernen is used for the general act of studying a subject or practicing, studieren is reserved for the formal context of university enrollment. For the noun meaning a degree program or course of study, use das Studium, whereas Studie refers to a research study or an artistic study.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb lernen can be turned into a neuter noun, das Lernen, to refer to the act of studying or learning in general.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlɛrnən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use studieren when they mean they are studying a book or studying for an exam. In these instances, you should use lernen instead.
Did you know?
- The act of studying for a test is often called büffeln in colloquial German, which literally suggests 'cramming' or 'plowing through' material.
- In German, the verb studieren can also mean to examine something very closely or meticulously, such as when someone 'studies' a map or a person's face.
- The German word for 'to teach', lehren, is a direct linguistic sibling to lernen, which means 'to learn'.
Examples in context
- Ich werde es lernen.I will study it.This sentence uses lernen to express the intent to learn something.Tatoeba #4943098 by Hans_Adler, translation #11390355 by coyo7e
- Darf ich hier lernen?May I study here?This sentence uses lernen to ask permission to study in a location.Tatoeba #1532227 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8405984 by CK
- Hilf Tom beim Lernen.Help Tom study.This sentence uses lernen to express helping someone with their studies.Tatoeba #2392877 by Tamy, translation #2235702 by CK
- Ich studiere Wirtschaftswissenschaften an der Universität.I study economics at the university.
- Ich möchte die deutsche Sprache erlernen.I want to learn the German language.
- Er betreibt die Erforschung der Krebsheilung.He conducts research into the cure for cancer.
- Lass uns heute Abend zusammen lernen.Let's study together tonight.
- Ist er immer noch am Büffeln für die Prüfung?Is he still studying for the exam?
- 660 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are sitting at a desk in a library.
- JulianLernst du heute viel?Are you studying a lot today?
- JuliaJa, ich muss viel lernen.Yes, I have to study a lot.
- JulianSoll ich dir beim Lernen helfen?Should I help you with your studying?
- JuliaDas wäre sehr nett, Julian.That would be very kind, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “study” translations and entries lernen, studieren, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lernen, studieren, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
