Before you start
Meet anerkennen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Meaning
- to acknowledge, to recognize, to accept (as legally, morally or scientifically valid or sufficient)
Build the meaning
an- + erkennen
- an-
- toward or onto something, bringing it into consideration
- erkennen
- to recognize
You direct recognition toward something and give it standing as valid.
So anerkennen means to recognize, acknowledge, or accept.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Separable verb: an·erkennen
In a main clause the prefix an splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseWir erkennen den neuen Chef an.We recognize the new boss.
Subordinate clauseEr freut sich, weil wir seine Hilfe anerkennen.He is glad because we recognize his help.
Participle: anerkanntzu-infinitive: anzuerkennen
Forms
How anerkennen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | erkenne an | erkannte an |
| du | erkennst an | erkanntest an |
| er/sie/es | erkennt an | erkannte an |
| wir | erkennen an | erkannten an |
| ihr | erkennt an | erkanntet an |
| Sie | erkennen an | erkannten an |
Partizip II anerkannt · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich erkenne deine Arbeit an.I recognize your work.prefix goes to the end
- 2Die Stadt hat den Plan anerkannt.The city accepted the plan.Perfekt with haben
- 3Sie sagt, dass er den Fehler anerkennt.She says that he admits the mistake.verb at the end after dass