ermutigen

/ɛɐ̯ˈmuːtɪɡn̩/

verb B2

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: ermutigt
past: ermutigte
perfect: hat ermutigt

Meaning

to encourage
- Die Lehrerin ermutigt die Schüler.
  
  The teacher encourages the pupils.
- Ihre Worte ermutigten ihn, es noch einmal zu versuchen. Diesmal klappte es.
  
  Her words encouraged him to try again. This time it worked.

Similar words

ermuntern

ermutigen means to encourage someone to have the courage or confidence to do something; ermuntern means to encourage or cheer someone up, more about lifting spirits gently.

Similar in other languages

Portuguese

encorajar

encorajar is the Portuguese word for the same thing — both mean "to encourage."

Portuguese

incentivar

incentivar is the Portuguese word for the same thing — both mean "to encourage."

Practice

1 What does ermutigen mean?

2 Fill the gap: Die Lehrerin ___ die Schüler.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches ermutigen?

verb

Last updated 2026-09-24