verb
to feed; to nourish
B1
Meanings: 'to feed' (transitive) and 'to nourish'; can be used reflexively 'sich ernähren' meaning 'to feed oneself' or 'to have a diet'. Uses auxiliary haben in perfect. Regular weak verb. Takes an accusative object (jemanden ernähren) and often reflexively with von (sich von etwas ernähren: live on).
Examples
Die Gemeinde ernährte viele Familien, weil eine Hilfsorganisation regelmäßig Lebensmittel schickte.
The community fed many families because a relief organization regularly sent food.
Ich ernähre mich gesund.
I eat healthily.
Viele Eltern versuchen, ihre Kinder gesund zu ernähren.
Many parents try to feed their children healthily.
Details
Mnemonics
picture someone putting nutritious food on a plate labeled 'nourish' to remember 'ernähren'
sounds like 'earn a hair' — imagine earning good food for hair growth
Notes
Can be used transitively (jemanden ernähren: to feed someone) and reflexively (sich ernähren: to feed oneself / to have a diet).