German · Everyday Verbs
"to learn" in German: lernen
lernen
To learn in German is lernen. Say Ich lerne Deutsch and Du lernst schnell. Studieren is for university subjects, not this headword.
Language goal
Ich lerne gerade Portugiesisch.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce lernen
Say it
LAIR-nen
/ˈlɛʁnən/
LAIR-nen. Stress ler-. Soft final -en.
"to learn" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| lernen | to learn Skills and knowledge. | Skills and knowledge. |
| ich lerne / du lernst | I learn / you learn Present forms. | Present forms. |
| Deutsch lernen | to learn German Language learning. | Language learning. |
| dazulernen | to learn in addition Pick up extra skills. | Pick up extra skills. |
How to use lernen in real life
- 1Language goal
Ich lerne gerade Portugiesisch.
I'm learning Portuguese right now.
Lerne is ich-form.
- 2Encouragement
Du lernst echt schnell!
You're learning really fast!
Lernst is du-form.
- 3Hobby class
Sie lernt Töpfern am Wochenende.
She's learning pottery on the weekend.
Lernt is sie-form.
Mistakes English speakers make with lernen
Incorrect: Ich studiere Kochen zu Hause.
Correct: Ich lerne Kochen zu Hause.
Home skill learning uses lernen, not studieren.
Incorrect: Ich learne Gitarre.
Correct: Ich lerne Gitarre.
Use lernen.
Good to know
Lebenslanges Lernen (lifelong learning) is a common education slogan. Apps and Volkshochschule courses make Sprachen lernen a normal adult hobby.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Language exchange
ChatPal
Was lernst du gerade neben Deutsch?
What are you learning besides German right now?
You
Ich lerne ein paar Kochrezepte auf Deutsch.
I'm learning a few recipes in German.
ChatPal
Cool. Ich lerne lieber mit Podcasts.
Cool. I prefer learning with podcasts.
You
Dann lernen wir nächste Woche mit einem Podcast.
Then next week we'll learn with a podcast.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to learn" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to learn" in German
How do you conjugate lernen?
Ich lerne, du lernst, er lernt, wir lernen.
When do I use studieren instead?
For university study of a subject.
How do you say learn German?
Deutsch lernen.
How do you say I'm learning to drive?
Ich lerne Auto fahren.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
