ermutigen
Translation
(I) encourage, encourage! (imperative)
Examples
Ich ermutige dich, nicht aufzugeben.
I encourage you not to give up.
Ermutige ihn, sein Bestes zu geben!
Encourage him to do his best!
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to encourage sb. to do sth. I encourage you to take this step.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bestärken, anspornen; Antonyms: entmutigen, abraten
Etymology
From the prefix er- (denoting the start or result of an action) + Mut (courage) + the verb suffix -igen. Literally 'to make courageous' or 'to en-courage'.
Memory Tips
This is the 'I' form ('ich ermutige') or the singular command form. Think of it as the action of you personally giving someone 'Mut' (courage).