noun

die Erfahrung, -en

experience

Wissen oder Können, das man durch Erleben, Ausprobieren oder Handeln im Laufe der Zeit gewinnt.

Definition & meaning

The word Erfahrung has two primary meanings in German:

Accumulated Knowledge: It refers to the knowledge, skills, or wisdom that a person acquires over a long period through practice, work, or life in general. In this sense, it describes "experience" as a collective quality (e.g., professional experience).
A Specific Event: It refers to a single, specific event or incident that someone has lived through and which has left an impression. In this sense, it is often used in the plural (Erfahrungen) to describe various things a person has undergone.

Grammar & Word origin

Erfahrung is a feminine noun. Its plural form is die Erfahrungen.

The word is derived from the verb erfahren , which means to experience, to learn, or to find out. The verb itself is composed of the prefix er- (often denoting the beginning or achievement of an action) and the base verb fahren (to drive or travel).

Historically, the word relates to the knowledge gained through "traveling through" or "traversing" the world. The suffix -ung is a standard German suffix used to transform a verb into a feminine noun representing a process or the result of an action.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

Erlebnis : Used when referring to a specific lived event or occurrence.
Praxis : Refers to the practical application of knowledge as opposed to theory.
Routine : Refers to the skill gained through frequent repetition.
Kenntnis : Knowledge or awareness of a specific subject.
Empirie : Scientific or philosophical term for knowledge based on observation.