verb

empfehlen

recommend

Jemandem sagen, dass etwas gut ist und dass er es ausprobieren oder benutzen sollte.

Definition & meaning

The verb empfehlen is used to express the act of suggesting or advising someone to do something, use something, or choose something because you believe it is good, suitable, or beneficial.

To recommend: To suggest a product, person, or action as a good choice.
- Example: "Ich kann dieses Restaurant sehr empfehlen." (I can highly recommend this restaurant.)
To advise/counsel: To give advice on a course of action.
- Example: "Der Arzt empfahl ihm, mehr Sport zu treiben." (The doctor advised him to exercise more.)
Reflexive usage (sich empfehlen):
- To qualify oneself for a position (e.g., "Er empfiehlt sich für eine Beförderung" - He is making a good case for a promotion).
- To take one's leave (archaic/formal, e.g., "Ich empfehle mich" - I bid you farewell).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Type: Strong verb.
Conjugation: empfehlen (infinitive), empfahl (past tense), hat empfohlen (perfect).
Stem change: The vowel changes from 'e' to 'a' in the past tense and to 'o' in the past participle.
Reflexive: Often used as sich empfehlen (to recommend oneself).

Word origin: The word originates from Middle High German enpfehlen, which comes from Old High German intfelahan. It is a combination of the prefix ent- (meaning 'away' or 'against') and felahan (meaning 'to hand over', 'to entrust', or 'to hide'). Originally, it meant to entrust something to someone’s care. Over time, the meaning shifted from "entrusting" to "recommending" someone or something to another person.