verb
to remember, to remind
A2
Means 'to remember' (sich erinnern = to remember) and 'to remind' (jemanden an etwas erinnern = to remind someone of something). Reflexive with 'an' for remembered content. Regular weak verb, perfect with haben (hat sich erinnert). Meaning shifts depending on reflexivity and object.
Examples
Ich erinnere mich an meine Kindheit.
I remember my childhood.
Die Zeugin erinnerte sich an das Gesicht des Mannes, nachdem die Polizei das Foto gezeigt hatte.
The witness remembered the man's face after the police had shown the photo.
Er erinnerte sich an den Vorfall.
He remembered the incident.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a sticky note on your forehead that gently 'reminds' you; that note is your inner reminder.
Sounds like 'ear-inner' — imagine your 'inner ear' prompting a memory.
Notes
The verb 'erinnern' is used both reflexively (sich erinnern = to remember) and transitively (jemanden an etwas erinnern = to remind someone of something). In perfect tenses it uses the auxiliary 'haben' (er hat sich erinnert / er hat mich erinnert). Common learner mistake: mixing up 'sich erinnern' (to remember) and 'erinnern' with a direct object (to remind someone).