verb
to experience, to live through
B1
erleben: verb meaning 'to experience' or 'to live through' (an event or period). Regular (Partizip II: erlebt) and forms perfect with haben. Often used for undergoing events ('etwas erleben') or having memorable experiences. Not reflexive. Typical collocations: ein Abenteuer erleben, etwas persönlich erleben.
Examples
Sie erlebte eine Überraschung.
She was surprised.
Die Touristen erlebten den Sturm, als das Schiff in einen sicheren Hafen segelte.
The tourists experienced the storm when the ship sailed into a safe harbor.
Auf der Reise habe ich viele neue Kulturen erlebt.
On the trip I experienced many new cultures.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine someone watching an impressive event and feeling it deeply — they 'erleben' it.
Sounds like 'air-leben' — literally 'to live' through something.
Notes
A transitive verb meaning to experience or witness something. Often used with direct objects (etwas erleben) or adverbial phrases indicating events or emotions.