erläutern

to explain

verb er-LOY-tern Less Common

Origin: from 'lauter' (clear, pure)

Also means

to elucidate

Usage Note

erläutern means to explain or clarify something in detail: einen Sachverhalt erläutern. It is slightly more formal than erklären and stresses making something clearer point by point. The noun Erläuterung names an explanatory note or annotation.

Examples

"Können Sie diesen Punkt näher erläutern?"

Natural Translation

Can you explain this point in more detail?

Literal Translation

Can you this point closer explain?

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

German Word Order: The Verb Rules That Trip You Up

German word order comes down to three verb-position rules: the verb is second in main clauses, last after weil and dass, and time comes before place.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Cases Explained Simply (4 Cases)

German has four cases, and each answers one question: wer, wen, wem, wessen. Learn nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive without drowning in charts.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Numbers 1–100: Why 21 Is Said Backwards

German numbers 1 to 100 reverse the digits: 21 is einundzwanzig (one-and-twenty). Learn the und rule, the irregulars, and how to hear prices fast.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

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