erbauen

build

verb er-BOW-en Less Common

Also means

construct

Usage Note

erbauen is a more formal, literary cousin of bauen ('to build') and is typical of describing historic edifices: die im 12. Jahrhundert erbaute Kirche. Reflexively, sich an etwas erbauen means 'to be edified or uplifted by something'. The er- prefix is inseparable.

Examples

"Die Kathedrale wurde im Mittelalter erbaut."

Natural Translation

The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages.

Literal Translation

The cathedral was in-the Middle-Ages built.

Free starter pack

Building your German vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

Du vs. Sie: When to Use Each in German

Use Sie with strangers, elders, and at work; use du with friends, family, kids, and peers. Here's how to pick the right German you every time.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Separable Verbs: When the Prefix Splits

German separable verbs split in two: the verb stays near the front and the prefix flies to the end. Learn the stress test and where every piece goes.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Umlauts & ß: Sounds and Typing

Pronounce ä, ö, ü with the front-tongue, rounded-lips rule, master the ß vs ss spelling, and type every German umlaut on Mac, Windows, and phone.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German False Friends: 25 Words That Trick You

German false friends like Gift (poison) and bekommen (to receive) trick English speakers daily. Here are 25 words that mean the opposite of what you'd guess.

June 5, 2026 5 min read