When you don’t understand something—or when someone finally admits the truth—Germans reach for the word Erklärung. It can clear up confusion or make things official, depending on the tone and the context.

The noun Erklärung means explanation, statement, or declaration, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. You’ll see it in schoolwork, government forms, arguments, and history books.

It’s a feminine noun, so we say die Erklärung.

Pronunciation

Erklärung is pronounced [air-KLAIR-oong].

• The “Er” is like “air,”
• The “klär” rhymes with “flair,”
• The ending “ung” sounds like “oong” in “song,” but a bit nasal.

It’s elegant and articulate—perfect for clearing things up.

Example sentences:

• Ich brauche eine Erklärung für dein Verhalten.
  I need an explanation for your behavior.
• Die Erklärung wurde schriftlich eingereicht.
  The declaration was submitted in writing.

Nuance and usage tips

Erklärung can mean:

1. Explanation – something that makes things understandable
   • eine einfache Erklärung – a simple explanation
   • wissenschaftliche Erklärung – scientific explanation
   • Erklärungsversuch – attempt to explain
2. Declaration / official statement
   • Unabhängigkeitserklärung – declaration of independence
   • Steuererklärung – tax declaration
   • Erklärung zur Lage – statement on the situation

Its antonyms vary:

• For explanation: Rätsel (neuter, das Rätsel) – riddle / mystery
• For declaration: Verschweigen – concealment / withholding of information

Grammatical case examples:

• Nominative: Die Erklärung war überzeugend.
  The explanation was convincing.
• Accusative: Ich habe die Erklärung nicht verstanden.
  I didn’t understand the explanation.
• Dative: Mit der Erklärung wurde alles klar.
  With the explanation, everything became clear.
• Genitive: Wegen der Erklärung änderte sich unsere Meinung.
  Because of the explanation, we changed our opinion.

Feminine case pattern: die, die, der, der

Word variations and language tidbits

Variation Station:

• erklären – to explain
• aufklären – to clarify, enlighten, or solve (as in a mystery)
• Steuererklärung – tax return
• Erklärungsbedarf – need for explanation
• Selbst­erklärung – self-declaration
• Unabhängigkeitserklärung – declaration of independence

Fun usage note:
The phrase eine Erklärung abgeben means “to issue a statement” or “make a declaration.” You’ll often hear this in politics, law, or press conferences.

📘 Duden entry: https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Erklaerung

🎥 Learn Erklärung and the rest of the top 1000 German nouns in our free online video course:
https://deutschable.com/nouns/

Alternate translations note:
For a personal confession or emotional admission, Geständnis might be more appropriate. For casual explanations, Germans may also use Begründung (justification) when focusing on why something was done. But for clear, neutral, or official communication, Erklärung is the go-to word.

Ready for more German words of the day? Do you know what Erinnerung means? How about Druck? Find out!