erinnern
/ɛɐ̯ˈʔɪnɐn/
Definition
To remember something, or to remind someone of something.
Example
Ich erinnere mich gern an unseren ersten Urlaub.
Show translation
I like to remember our first vacation.
Etymology
From Middle High German *erinnern*, built on the prefix *er-* (indicating a process or achievement) + *innen* ("within, inside"). The core idea is "to bring something back inside the mind." The reflexive form *sich erinnern an* (to remember) has been standard since Early New High German.
Cultural note
German distinguishes two patterns: *sich erinnern an + Accusative* ("to remember") and *jemanden an etwas erinnern* ("to remind someone of something"). English speakers often confuse these. Note: *Erinnerung* (the noun, "memory/remembrance") also appears in many German compound words, such as *Erinnerungskultur* — a culturally significant term referring to how a society collectively remembers historical events, especially the Holocaust.