If you want to know how to say learning in German, the main word is Lernen. The verb “to learn” is lernen. Depending on the sentence, German also uses lernen as a noun-like infinitive and Ausbildung for professional training.
“Learning” in German is usually Lernen, pronounced approximately “LEHR-nen.” “I am learning German” is Ich lerne Deutsch.
- How Do You Say Learning in German?
- Different German Words Related to Learning
- Learning in German: Quick Comparison
- How to Pronounce Lernen
- How to Use Lernen in a German Sentence
- Example Sentences Using Learning in German
- Frequently Asked Questions About Learning in German
- Summary: How to Say Learning in German
How Do You Say Learning in German?
The German word for learning is Lernen. German capitalizes nouns, so the nominalized infinitive is written with a capital L.
The verb is lernen, meaning “to learn.” For the opposite role in a lesson, compare teach in German. For example, Ich lerne Deutsch means “I am learning German” or “I learn German.” To describe a routine, add jeden Tag, “every day”.
Meaning: Learning
Different German Words Related to Learning
Use lernen for general learning, studieren for university study, and Ausbildung for vocational training.
1. Lernen — Learning / To Learn
Lernen can be the verb “to learn” or the noun “learning.” Das Lernen einer Sprache braucht Zeit means “Learning a language takes time.”
2. Ich lerne — I Am Learning
Ich lerne means “I learn” or “I am learning.” German often uses the simple present for an action happening now.
3. Studieren — To Study at University
Studieren usually means studying at a university or college. Ich studiere Medizin means “I study medicine.”
4. Ausbildung — Professional Training
Ausbildung means vocational training, an apprenticeship, or professional education. It is more specific than general learning.
5. Kenntnisse — Knowledge / Skills
Kenntnisse means knowledge or skills, often in a practical or professional context. Gute Deutschkenntnisse means “good German skills.”
Learning in German: Quick Comparison
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| German | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lernen | learning / to learn | General learning |
| Ich lerne | I am learning | Verb form |
| studieren | to study | University study |
| Ausbildung | professional training | Vocational education |
| Kenntnisse | knowledge / skills | Abilities and expertise |
How to Pronounce Lernen
Lernen is pronounced approximately “LEHR-nen.” The German r may be pronounced in the throat, depending on the speaker. The final en is a light “uhn” sound.
Keep the first syllable stressed: LER-nen. The e in the first syllable is open and clear.
How to Use Lernen in a German Sentence
As a verb, lernen is conjugated: ich lerne, du lernst, er lernt, and wir lernen.
As a noun, write das Lernen. German nominalized infinitives are neuter and always capitalized: Das Lernen macht Spaß means “Learning is fun.”
Example Sentences Using Learning in German
Use: Describing language learning.
Use: Talking about learning generally.
Use: Describing a study habit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Learning in German
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you say learning in German?
Use Lernen for “learning” and lernen for “to learn.”
How do you say I am learning German?
Say Ich lerne Deutsch. German uses the present tense for “I am learning.”
What is the difference between lernen and studieren?
Lernen is general learning. Studieren usually means studying at a university or college.
How do you say learning a language in German?
Say eine Sprache lernen. For example, Ich lerne eine neue Sprache means “I am learning a new language.”
What does Ausbildung mean?
Ausbildung means vocational training, apprenticeship, or professional education.
How do you write learning in German?
Write Lernen when using it as a noun, and lernen when using it as a verb.
Summary: How to Say Learning in German
The main word for learning in German is Lernen. The verb “to learn” is lernen, as in Ich lerne Deutsch.
Use studieren for university study, Ausbildung for professional training, and Kenntnisse for knowledge or skills.
