adjectiveverb

ergeben

yield · show · make · devote · result · reveal

Etwas führt zu einem bestimmten Resultat oder zeigt ein bestimmtes Resultat an.

Definition & meaning

ergeben is a German verb with several related meanings:

To result in, yield, or produce
Used when something leads to a particular outcome or amount.
Das ergibt einen Sinn. means “That makes sense.”
Zwei plus zwei ergibt vier. means “Two plus two equals four.”
To emerge or follow from something
In its reflexive form, it means that a conclusion or result follows from facts or circumstances.
Aus den Daten ergibt sich ein klares Bild. means “A clear picture emerges from the data.”
To surrender
The reflexive form can mean to give oneself up, especially to an opponent or authority.
Die Soldaten ergaben sich. means “The soldiers surrendered.”
To be devoted or loyal
As an adjective, ergeben describes someone who is deeply devoted or loyal.
Sie war ihrem Freund ergeben. means “She was devoted to her friend.”

Grammar & Word origin

Ergeben is an inseparable-prefix verb: the prefix er- is unstressed and does not separate from geben (“to give”). The prefix often contributes a sense of reaching a result or completing an action.

Infinitive: ergeben
Present: er ergibt
Simple past: er ergab
Past participle: er hat ergeben
Reflexive past participle: er hat sich ergeben

The verb is commonly used with sich when meaning “to emerge/result” or “to surrender.” As an adjective, ergeben means “devoted” or “loyal.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary with the meaning:

For “to result in / yield”: resultieren , liefern . Resultieren emphasizes an outcome following from a cause; liefern emphasizes producing or providing a result.
For “to surrender”: kapitulieren , aufgeben . Kapitulieren is especially associated with a formal or military surrender; aufgeben is broader and can mean giving up.
For “devoted”: treu , hingebungsvoll . Treu emphasizes loyalty, while hingebungsvoll emphasizes wholehearted dedication.

Possible antonyms also depend on the meaning:

Opposite of surrendering: widerstehen (“to resist”), kämpfen (“to fight”).
Opposite of being devoted or loyal: untreu (“disloyal”).
For “to result in,” there is no single direct antonym; an opposite depends on the context.