an|eignen
Translation
to acquire, to learn, to master, to appropriate
Examples
Er hat sich viel Wissen angeeignet.
He has acquired a lot of knowledge.
Sie eignet sich schnell neue Fähigkeiten an.
She quickly acquires new skills.
Grammar Patterns
sich(3) ((et4)) aneignen to acquire sth. Er hat sich viel Wissen angeeignet.
Similar Words
Synonyms: erlernen, erwerben, lernen; Antonyms: verlernen, vergessen
Etymology
From the prefix 'an-' (on, to oneself) + the verb 'eignen' (from 'eigen' - own). It literally means 'to make something one's own'.
Memory Tips
Think of making something 'eigen' (your own). You 'an|eignen' it by bringing it *to* yourself. It's a reflexive verb: 'sich (dative) etwas (accusative) aneignen'.