die  Erklärung

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛɐ̯ˈklɛːʁʊŋ/

📖 What Exactly Is 'die Erklärung'?

Die Erklärung (feminine, plural: die Erklärungen) is a German noun with several meanings:

1. Explanation / Interpretation: The most common meaning. An Erklärung makes something understandable, answers a 'why' or 'how' question. It serves to clear up ambiguities or impart knowledge. Example: Ich brauche eine Erklärung für dieses Phänomen. (I need an explanation for this phenomenon.)
2. Official Statement / Comment: A formal announcement or statement, often in a political, legal, or business context. Example: Der Minister gab eine Erklärung zur aktuellen Lage ab. (The minister issued a statement on the current situation.)
3. Declaration / Proclamation: A formal announcement or assertion. Example: die Erklärung der Menschenrechte (the declaration of human rights), eine schriftliche Erklärung abgeben (to submit a written declaration).

It is a feminine noun, which is typical for words ending in -ung.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of 'die Erklärung'

The word "Erklärung" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

🗣️ Example Sentences:

• Nominative: Die Erklärung war sehr hilfreich. (The explanation was very helpful.)
• Genitive: Der Inhalt der Erklärung ist vertraulich. (The content of the declaration is confidential.)
• Dative: Ich stimme der Erklärung des Professors zu. (I agree with the professor's explanation.)
• Accusative: Er hat die Erklärung unterschrieben. (He signed the declaration.)
• Plural: Wir benötigen mehrere Erklärungen für die verschiedenen Aspekte. (We need several explanations for the different aspects.)

💡 How to Use 'die Erklärung'?

Usage depends on the intended meaning:

• In everyday life: Mostly when asking for or giving clarification. ("Kannst du mir eine Erklärung geben?" - "Can you give me an explanation?", "Seine Erklärung leuchtete mir ein." - "His explanation made sense to me.")
• In formal contexts: Often as a written or oral statement. ("eine Presseerklärung abgeben" - "to issue a press statement", "eine eidesstattliche Erklärung" - "an affidavit")
• As a declaration: Refers to fundamental or official assertions. ("die Unabhängigkeitserklärung" - "the declaration of independence")

Distinction from similar words:

• Erläuterung: Very similar to the first meaning of Erklärung, often interchangeable, perhaps slightly more detailed.
• Aussage: Can be a simple statement, not necessarily an explanation in the sense of clarification. An Erklärung is often a specific type of Aussage.
• Begründung: Focuses more strongly on the reasons or justification for something. An Erklärung can contain a Begründung.
• Bekanntmachung: Primarily serves to inform about an event or decision, not necessarily to explain the background.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Erklärung'

Article Mnemonic: Most German nouns ending in -ung are feminine (die). Just remember: die Übung (the practice), die Meinung (the opinion), die Lösung (the solution)... and therefore, die Erklärung!

Meaning Mnemonic: "Erklärung" contains "klär", which sounds like the English word "clear". An Erklärung aims to make something clear, either by explaining it or by stating it clearly.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms for Erklärung

⚠️ Caution: "Die Klärung" usually refers to the process of clarification or the result (e.g., Klärung eines Missverständnisses - clarification of a misunderstanding), whereas "die Erklärung" is the explanation or statement itself that is given.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Kann mir jemand den Unterschied zwischen 'offensichtlich' und 'klar' erklären?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Mein Papa läuft nackt durchs Haus – das ist offensichtlich. Dass Sie ihm das verbieten würden, ist klar!"

Translation:
The teacher asks: "Can someone explain the difference between 'obvious' (offensichtlich) and 'clear' (klar)?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "My dad runs around the house naked – that's obvious. That you would forbid him from doing that is clear!"

(The joke plays on the different nuances and provides an unexpected, yet somewhat logical, "Erklärung".)

📜 Poem about Erklärung

Manchmal ist die Welt ein Buch,
Mit Seiten voller Fragezeichen.
Ein Wort, ein Satz, ein weiser Spruch,
Kann als Erklärung schon ausreichen.

Sie bringt das Licht ins Dunkel rein,
Macht Kompliziertes wieder schlicht.
Drum lass uns stets verständlich sein,
Mit 'ner Erklärung, klar wie Licht.

Translation:
Sometimes the world's a book, you see,
With pages full of question marks.
A word, a phrase, wisely,
As an explanation can embark.

It brings the light into the dark,
Makes complicated things seem plain.
So let us always hit the mark,
With an explanation, clear as day again.

❓ Riddle

Ich kann ein Grund sein oder Sinn,
Bin oft gefragt, wenn Zweifel sind.
Ich mach das Wirrwarr wieder klar,
Bin mündlich, schriftlich, immer da.
Mal kurz, mal lang, mal als Bericht,
Ich bringe oft erst Licht ins Zwielicht.

Was bin ich?

Lösung (Solution): die Erklärung

Translation:
I can be a reason or a sense,
I'm often asked when there is suspense (doubt).
I make the muddle clear once more,
Am spoken, written, at the door.
Sometimes short, sometimes a long report,
I often bring light to the dim sort.

What am I?
Solution: the explanation (die Erklärung)

ℹ️ Other Details

Word Formation:

The noun "Erklärung" is derived from the verb "erklären" (to explain). It is composed of:

• Prefix "er-" (often indicating completion or a result)
• Stem "klär" (from "klar" - clear)
• Verb ending "-en" (in the infinitive "erklären")
• Noun-forming suffix "-ung" (creates feminine nouns from verbs, describing a process or result)

So: er-klär-en + -ung → die Erklärung