In English, “to study” means to learn, read, memorize, practice, and reflect on a subject. In German, the verb lernen is used to talk about these learning activities.
| Wir lernen Deutsch. | We are learning German. (i.e. as a general activity: taking a course or learning it on our own)We are studying German. (i.e. as a specific activity: doing homework, studying for a test) |
| Ich lerne für die Prüfung. | I am studying for the test. |
The German verb studieren has a more limited meaning than its English cognate. It means “to be a university student” or “to major in” a particular subject.
| Karsten studiert an der Universität Frankfurt. | Karsten is studying (is a student) at the University of Frankfurt. |
| Er studiert Chemie. | He is studying (majoring in) chemistry. |
| Seine Schwester studiert in Dresden. | His sister is studying (is a student) in Dresden. |
The distinction between the two words also reflects a cultural difference. In the German educational system students are not required to take general education courses, a full range of courses outside of their field and major, to earn a degree. But a German university student may optionally take a course outside of the requirements out of interest.
| Karsten studiert Chemie. | Karsten is studying (majoring in) chemistry. |
| Er lernt auch Spanisch. | He is learning (is taking a course in) Spanish. |
Studieren can also mean “to examine something in detail”.
| Stuttgart studiert die Kosten des Projekts. | Stuttgart is studying (is examining, looking into in detail) the cost of the project. |
Nice site man! Way to go!
thanks sooo much
Ausgezeichneit!!!
Danke schön
I just found this site! Is amazing man, really helpful and I think has all that on needs to learn Deutsch!! Thank you !
Danke sehr schön,
Es ist sehr wichtig für mich und Alle die Deutsch lernen möchten.
Perfect that site I love it. I will recommend it to my students. Also for me it is so helpful because I am not a German. I went to one chapiter then move to the next and now I spend more than one hour. Great page!!! Thank you so much.
Beautiful explanation. I’ve wanted to read this explanation for 12 years. Thanks so much!
So how should I say:
“Today I studied for two hours”
?
Heute habe Ich 2 stunden gelernt? Heute habe ich 2 stunden gestudiet?
The first sentence is the most accurate: Heute habe ich zwei Stunden gelernt.
Very good explanation! The only odd thing is the description of “to study” in the introduction: ‘In English, “to study” means to learn, read, memorize, practice, and reflect on a subject.’
“To study” does not mean “learn” in English, you cann study all day and learn nothing. It would be better to say ‘ “To study” means read, practice and reflect on a subject with the purpose of learning it ‘
Great explanation! I wish my students learn when they study…
Thank you so much!