noun
explanation, clarification
B1
Meaning: 'explanation' or 'clarification'. Noun: die Erklärung (feminine). Plural: Erklärungen. Declension: genitive der Erklärung, dative der Erklärung (singular); plural dative den Erklärungen. Often used with verb 'erklären' (eine Erklärung abgeben). Accusative: die Erklärung. It can mean verbal clarification and a written statement or document.
Examples
Der Minister gab keine Erklärung ab, obwohl die Öffentlichkeit weitere Informationen verlangte.
The minister gave no explanation, although the public demanded further information.
Die Erklärung war kurz und verständlich.
The explanation was short and easy to understand.
Die Erklärung des Lehrers war sehr verständlich.
The teacher's explanation was very clear.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a teacher at the front of a class drawing a diagram to make things clear.
Sounds a bit like 'air-clear-ung' — imagine clearing the air with an explanation.
Die Erklärung — imagine a female teacher ('die') giving the explanation.
Notes
Commonly used in both spoken and written German; can refer to an account, a formal statement, or the act of explaining. Watch out for the similar noun 'Aufklärung' which has a slightly different nuance (enlightenment or clarification in a broader sense).