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 die Fremdsprache schnell an.
She is learning the foreign language quickly.
Der Dieb hat sich das Geld angeeignet.
The thief appropriated the money.
Grammar Patterns
sich³ et⁴ aneignen to acquire ((sth.)) for oneself He has acquired a lot of knowledge.
Similar Words
Synonyms: lernen (to learn), erwerben (to acquire); Antonyms: verlernen (to unlearn), verlieren (to lose)
Etymology
From prefix 'an-' (towards) + 'eignen' (to make one's own), from 'eigen' (own). Literally 'to make something one's own'.
Memory Tips
Think of making knowledge your 'eigen' (own) property. It's a reflexive verb: sich etwas aneignen.