Erkennen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Erkennen" is used as verb with the meaning of "recognize", "identify" or "perceive".

Essential properties of "erkennen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

  • Infinitive: erkennen
  • Simple past: erkannte
  • Participle: erkannt

See full conjugation of erkennen

irregulartransitive
Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "erkennen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To perceive or identify"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Ich konnte ihn in der Menge nicht erkennen.I couldn't recognize him in the crowd.
  2. Sie erkannte sofort, dass etwas nicht stimmte.She immediately recognized that something was wrong.
  3. Kannst du das Muster auf dem Bild erkennen?Can you recognize the pattern in the picture?

2.) "To admit or accept as true"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Er musste seinen Fehler erkennen.He had to admit his mistake.
  2. Die Regierung erkannte die Unabhängigkeit des Landes an.The government recognized the country's independence.
  3. Wir müssen erkennen, dass wir uns geirrt haben.We must admit that we were wrong.

3.) "To understand or realize"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Ich erkannte plötzlich den Zusammenhang.I suddenly realized the connection.
  2. Sie erkannte die Bedeutung seiner Worte erst später.She only realized the meaning of his words later.
  3. Hast du erkannt, worauf er hinaus wollte?Did you realize what he was getting at?
Search more words →