Verb

empfehlen

Translation

to recommend, to advise

Ich kann dir dieses Buch empfehlen.

I can recommend this book to you.

Welches Restaurant empfiehlst du?

Which restaurant do you recommend?

Der Arzt empfahl ihm Ruhe.

The doctor recommended rest to him.

((sb.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to recommend (sth.) to (sb.) I can recommend this book to you.

((sb.dat)), ((to do sth.)) to advise (sb.) to do (sth.) The doctor advised him to rest.

raten (to advise), vorschlagen (to suggest)

Prefix 'emp-' + 'fehlen'. Originally meant 'to hand over to someone's care'. Think of 'entrusting' someone with a good suggestion.

The 'emp-' prefix often implies receiving or perception. You 'perceive' something is good and 'recommend' it.