das Erlebnis, -se
experience
Etwas, das man selbst erfährt oder mitmacht und das oft in Erinnerung bleibt.
The German word "Erlebnis" is a noun meaning "experience" (often implying a memorable or impactful event). It is made up of two components:
- Er-: a prefix that often indicates a completed action or result.
- Lebnis: related to the verb leben (to live).
So, "Erlebnis" literally relates to something lived through.
Similar words:
- Erfahrung – experience (more general, related to knowledge gained over time)
- Abenteuer – adventure (exciting or unusual experience)
- Begebenheit – event, occurrence
Differences:
- Erlebnis emphasizes a single, often emotional or vivid experience.
- Erfahrung refers to accumulated knowledge or skills over time.
- Abenteuer highlights excitement or risk.
- Begebenheit is more neutral, simply stating an event happened.
Make “Erlebnis” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Das Erlebnis im Park war wunderbar.noun
The experience in the park was wonderful.
Ein Erlebnis dieser Art vergisst man nicht so leicht.noun
An experience of this kind is not easily forgotten.
Dein Erlebnis klingt spannend.noun
Your experience sounds exciting.
Ein besonderes Erlebnis bleibt oft lange in Erinnerung.noun
A special experience often remains in memory for a long time.
Unser Erlebnis im Urlaub war unvergesslich.noun
Our experience on vacation was unforgettable.
Die aufregenden Erlebnisse der Kinder wurden in einem Tagebuch festgehalten.noun
The exciting experiences of the children were recorded in a diary.
Ein unerwartetes Erlebnis veränderte plötzlich meine Meinung.noun
An unexpected experience suddenly changed my mind.
Nach dem Erlebnis fühlte sie sich viel selbstbewusster.noun
After the experience she felt much more confident.
War das unerwartete Erlebnis für dich eher positiv oder negativ?noun
Was the unexpected experience for you rather positive or negative?
Sie erzählte begeistert von ihrem schönsten Erlebnis im Ausland.noun
She spoke enthusiastically about her most wonderful experience abroad.
Jedes neue Erlebnis erweitert unseren Blick auf die Welt.noun
Every new experience broadens our view of the world.
Von all meinen Reisen war dieses Erlebnis das wichtigste für mich.noun
Of all my travels, this experience was the most important one for me.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad