verb
to win, to gain
A1
Gewinnen means 'to win' or 'to gain', used transitively (etwas gewinnen). It's a strong irregular verb (Präteritum: gewann; Perfekt: gewonnen) and uses auxiliary haben. Not reflexive or separable. Common in competitions and figurative uses (e.g. Gewinn an Einfluss = a gain in influence).
Examples
Heute hat mein Team gewonnen.
My team won today.
Obwohl die Mannschaft stark spielte, gewann der Gastverein das Spiel, weil er erfahrene Spieler hatte.
Although the team played well, the visiting club won the match because it had experienced players.
Ich habe im Lotto gewonnen.
I won the lottery.
Details
Mnemonics
picture a trophy being pulled toward you as you 'gewinn-en' it
sounds like 'give-in' — imagine not giving in and winning
Notes
Strong irregular verb: gewann — gewonnen. Commonly used both in competitions and in abstract senses (gain). Passive is usually used impersonally or in the 3rd person (e.g., 'Das Spiel wird gewonnen'). First-/second-person passive forms are rare or unidiomatic and have been marked 'not applicable' in the conjugation table where appropriate.