Verb

eignen

Translation

to be suitable, to be appropriate, to be apt, to qualify

Dieses Buch eignet sich für Anfänger.

This book is suitable for beginners.

Er eignet sich nicht als Lehrer.

He is not suitable as a teacher.

Das Material eignet sich gut zum Bauen.

The material is well-suited for building.

sich ((für+4)) eignen to be suitable for sth. This book is suitable for beginners.

sich ((als+Nom)) eignen to be suitable as sth. He is not suitable as a teacher.

sich ((zu+3)) eignen to be suitable for (doing) sth. The material is well-suited for building.

Synonyms: passen (to fit), taugen (to be good for); Antonym: ungeeignet sein (to be unsuitable)

Related to the German word `eigen` meaning 'own'. The idea is that something has the 'own' right qualities for a purpose.

Think if something has the right 'eigen' (own) properties for a task. If it does, it 'eignet sich' (is suitable).