erfahren
Translation
to experience, to learn, to find out
Examples
Ich habe viel in meinem Leben erfahren.
I have experienced a lot in my life.
Er erfuhr die Nachricht aus der Zeitung.
He learned the news from the newspaper.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to experience/learn sth. We experienced many good things.
((sth.)) ((from sb./sth. / about sb./sth.)) to learn sth. from/about sb./sth. I learned about the accident.
Similar Words
Synonyms: erleben, lernen; Antonyms: verpassen, ignorieren
Etymology
From the prefix er- (denoting achievement) + fahren (to travel). Literally 'to travel through something', hence 'to experience'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'traveling' (fahren) through life and thereby 'experiencing' (erfahren) things.