When you remember something, it means you can bring a thought or an image back into your mind.
For example, you might remember your best friend's name, or you might remember what you ate for breakfast this morning.
It's like keeping information in your brain and being able to find it again when you need it.
So, if someone asks you, "Do you remember our first meeting?" they are asking if you can recall that event.
At the C2 level, "to remember" transcends simple recall, delving into the nuanced and intricate processes by which our minds construct, retain, and access past experiences and information. It encompasses the metacognitive awareness of one's own memory capabilities, including an understanding of various memory types such as episodic, semantic, and procedural memory, and the strategies employed for their optimization. This advanced comprehension extends to recognizing the fallibility of memory, the impact of emotional states on recall, and the complex interplay between memory, identity, and narrative construction. Furthermore, it involves the sophisticated ability to articulate and analyze these complex cognitive functions, often drawing on psychological and philosophical perspectives to contextualize the act of remembering within broader human experience.
§ Similar words and when to use them
The verb "to remember" means to recall facts or events from the past. It's a very common and versatile word. Let's look at some similar words and when you might choose them instead.
- Recall
- This is a close synonym for "to remember." It often implies making an effort to bring something back to mind, especially something specific or detailed. It can be a bit more formal than "remember."
I tried to recall her name, but it was gone.
- Recollect
- Similar to "recall," but perhaps even more formal and often suggests a more deliberate and detailed act of remembering. It can imply putting together pieces of information to form a complete memory.
He struggled to recollect the events of that night.
- Reminisce
- This word means to think or talk about pleasant past experiences. It often has a nostalgic or fond connotation, and usually involves sharing memories with others.
We spent the evening reminiscing about our college days.
- Memorize
- This is about learning something by heart so that you can recall it exactly. It involves an active process of learning and storing information in your memory.
Students had to memorize the poem for the exam.
- Keep in mind
- This is an idiom meaning to not forget something important, especially when making a decision or planning. It's about maintaining awareness of a fact or instruction.
Please keep in mind that the store closes at 6 PM.
§ Using "to remember" vs. alternatives
"To remember" is the most common and neutral verb for bringing something back into your mind. You can use it in almost any situation where you want to talk about recalling information or past events.
- Use "remember" when the act of recalling is simple and straightforward.
- Choose "recall" or "recollect" for more formal contexts or when emphasizing the effort of retrieving a specific memory.
- Use "reminisce" when the memories are pleasant and shared, often with a feeling of nostalgia.
- "Memorize" is for the active process of learning something by heart.
- "Keep in mind" is an idiomatic phrase for not forgetting an important fact or instruction.
Consider the context and the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "to remember" and its alternatives.
How Formal Is It?
"The witness was asked to recollect the events of the evening."
"I remember meeting him at the conference last year."
"Can you recall where you put the keys?"
"Let's think back to our trip to the zoo!"
"This old photo might jog your memory about our childhood."
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The word is common and the definition is straightforward, making it easy to read.
Spelling is regular, and the word is frequently used in basic sentence structures.
Pronunciation is phonetic and common, posing little difficulty for A2 learners.
High frequency of use means learners are very likely to have encountered it before.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Beispiele nach Niveau
It's imperative to remember the key points of the presentation for the upcoming discussion.
Zapamiętać kluczowe punkty prezentacji
Using 'imperative' emphasizes the importance of remembering.
Despite the passage of time, she could still vividly remember the scent of her grandmother's baking.
Nadal żywo pamiętać zapach
The adverb 'vividly' intensifies the act of remembering.
If I remember correctly, the agreement stipulated a six-month probationary period.
Jeśli dobrze pamiętam, umowa przewidywała
The phrase 'If I remember correctly' introduces a slight uncertainty, common in C1 speech.
He struggled to remember the complex algorithms required for the advanced coding task.
Męczył się, żeby zapamiętać skomplikowane algorytmy
'Struggled to remember' indicates difficulty in recalling information.
To remember every intricate detail of the historical event would be an extraordinary feat of memory.
Zapamiętanie każdego zawiłego szczegółu
The phrase 'intricate detail' elevates the complexity of what needs to be remembered.
We must endeavor to remember the lessons learned from past mistakes to avoid repeating them.
Musimy starać się pamiętać lekcje
'Endeavor to remember' implies a conscious and effortful attempt to recall.
It's crucial to remember that context often influences the interpretation of data.
Kluczowe jest pamiętanie, że kontekst często wpływa
'Crucial to remember' highlights the significance of the information being recalled.
The witness claimed to remember the perpetrator's face with remarkable clarity, aiding the investigation.
Świadek twierdził, że pamięta twarz sprawcy z niezwykłą jasnością
The phrase 'with remarkable clarity' emphasizes the precision of the memory.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"ring a bell"
To sound familiar, but you can't quite remember the details.
That name rings a bell, but I can't place where I've heard it before.
neutral"jog your memory"
To help someone remember something.
Let me show you this picture; it might jog your memory.
neutral"commit to memory"
To learn something so that you can remember it perfectly.
She committed the entire poem to memory for the competition.
formal"bear in mind"
To remember a piece of information when making a decision or thinking about a situation.
Bear in mind that it's going to be cold tonight, so dress warmly.
neutral"have a memory like an elephant"
To have a very good memory; to be able to remember many things for a long time.
My grandmother has a memory like an elephant; she can recall events from decades ago.
informal"slip your mind"
To forget something, often temporarily.
I'm so sorry, it completely slipped my mind that we had a meeting today.
neutral"refresh your memory"
To remind yourself of facts or details you once knew.
I'll just quickly look at my notes to refresh my memory before the presentation.
neutral"know by heart"
To have learned something perfectly so that you can remember it without thinking.
He knows all the lyrics to that song by heart.
neutral"for old times' sake"
Because it reminds you of a happy time in the past.
Let's go back to that restaurant for old times' sake.
neutral"take a trip down memory lane"
To remember pleasant things that happened in the past.
We spent the afternoon looking at old photos and taking a trip down memory lane.
neutralTipps
Use flashcards
Create flashcards with the word 'to remember' on one side and its definition on the other. This helps with active recall.
Practice sentences
Write or say sentences using 'to remember'. For example: 'I need to remember my keys.' or 'Do you remember your first day of school?'
Associate with images
Find or draw a picture that represents 'to remember'. Visual aids can boost memory.
Listen to English songs
Many songs use the verb 'to remember'. Listen for it and try to understand its context.
Watch short videos
Look for short English videos or cartoons where characters use 'to remember' in their dialogue.
Review regularly
Don't just learn it once! Review 'to remember' and its meaning every few days to keep it fresh in your mind.
Use it in daily conversations
Try to use 'to remember' when speaking English. Even if it's just practicing with yourself.
Keep a vocabulary notebook
Write 'to remember', its definition, and a sample sentence in a dedicated notebook for new words.
Play memory games
There are online games designed to help you remember new vocabulary. Look for games featuring words like 'to remember'.
Teach someone else
Explaining 'to remember' to another person can solidify your own understanding and recall.
Teste dich selbst 48 Fragen
Write a sentence about something you like to remember.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I like to remember my birthday party.
Write a sentence about something you need to remember to do today.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I need to remember to buy milk today.
Write a sentence about a happy memory.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I remember a happy day at the beach.
What does Tom always remember to do for his dog?
Read this passage:
My name is Tom. I like to play with my dog. I always remember to give him food. He is a good dog.
What does Tom always remember to do for his dog?
The passage says, 'I always remember to give him food.'
The passage says, 'I always remember to give him food.'
Why did Sarah take a photo?
Read this passage:
Sarah went to the park. She saw many flowers. She wanted to remember the beautiful colors. She took a photo.
Why did Sarah take a photo?
The passage states, 'She wanted to remember the beautiful colors. She took a photo.'
The passage states, 'She wanted to remember the beautiful colors. She took a photo.'
What does the speaker try to remember?
Read this passage:
My grandma tells me stories from when she was young. I love to listen to her. I try to remember all the stories.
What does the speaker try to remember?
The passage says, 'I try to remember all the stories.'
The passage says, 'I try to remember all the stories.'
Choose the correct word: I always try to ___ my dreams.
The word 'remember' means to recall facts or events from the past. In this sentence, it means to recall dreams.
Which word means the opposite of 'forget'?
'Remember' is the opposite of 'forget'. If you remember something, you recall it; if you forget it, you cannot recall it.
What do you do if you ___ someone's name?
To 'remember' someone's name means to recall it. The other options do not fit the context of recalling a name.
If you remember something, it means you cannot recall it.
To remember something means to recall facts or events from the past, so the statement is false.
It is important to remember your passport when you travel.
It is true that you need to recall and take your passport when you travel.
A good student remembers everything from their lessons.
A good student tries to recall information from their lessons, so this statement is true.
Write two sentences about something important you need to remember today.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I need to remember to buy milk. I also need to remember my friend's birthday.
Complete the sentence: 'I always try to remember to...' Then write one more sentence about why it's important.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I always try to remember to lock the door. It's important for safety.
Imagine you are making a shopping list. Write three things you need to remember to buy.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I need to remember to buy apples. I also need to remember to buy bread and cheese.
What did Maria do to remember what to buy?
Read this passage:
Maria went to the store. She needed to buy some food for dinner. She wrote a list so she would remember everything. On her list were milk, eggs, and bread.
What did Maria do to remember what to buy?
The passage states, 'She wrote a list so she would remember everything.'
The passage states, 'She wrote a list so she would remember everything.'
Why does Tom need to remember facts about history?
Read this passage:
Tom has a big test tomorrow. He needs to remember many facts about history. He is studying his notes very carefully. He hopes to get a good grade.
Why does Tom need to remember facts about history?
The passage says, 'He needs to remember many facts about history' because 'He has a big test tomorrow.'
The passage says, 'He needs to remember many facts about history' because 'He has a big test tomorrow.'
What does the grandmother want the person to remember?
Read this passage:
My grandmother always tells me to remember my manners. She says it's important to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Good manners show respect to others.
What does the grandmother want the person to remember?
The passage clearly states, 'My grandmother always tells me to remember my manners.'
The passage clearly states, 'My grandmother always tells me to remember my manners.'
I can't ___ her name, even though we've met several times.
To remember means to recall facts or events from the past. In this context, the speaker is struggling to recall her name.
Do you ___ where you put your keys?
To remember in this sentence means to recall the location of the keys.
It's important to ___ the safety instructions before using the equipment.
Here, 'remember' implies keeping the safety instructions in mind and recalling them when needed.
She always manages to ___ everyone's birthdays.
To remember someone's birthday means to recall the date.
I tried to ___ the details of the dream, but they quickly faded.
The speaker is attempting to recall the details of the dream.
Can you ___ to buy milk on your way home?
This sentence asks if the person can recall the task of buying milk.
Write a short paragraph about a memorable event from your childhood. Use the word 'remember' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I clearly remember my fifth birthday party. My parents organized a treasure hunt in our garden, and I felt like a real explorer when I found the hidden gifts. It was a day full of laughter and excitement, and I still have vivid memories of it.
Imagine you are making a to-do list for a busy day. Write down at least three things you need to remember to do.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My to-do list for today: First, I need to remember to call my grandmother. Second, I must remember to pick up groceries after work. Finally, I should remember to finish my report before the deadline.
Describe a person you will always remember and explain why they are so memorable to you.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I will always remember my high school English teacher, Mrs. Davis. She had a unique way of making literature come alive and inspired me to read more. Her passion for teaching was truly unforgettable, and I often remember her encouraging words.
What did Sarah almost forget?
Read this passage:
Sarah was getting ready for her trip. She had packed her clothes and toiletries, but then she suddenly stopped. 'Oh, I need to remember to take my passport!' she exclaimed. Without her passport, she wouldn't be able to travel.
What did Sarah almost forget?
The passage clearly states that Sarah needed to remember to take her passport.
The passage clearly states that Sarah needed to remember to take her passport.
What does the old man remember?
Read this passage:
The old man sat by the window, looking at the rain. He closed his eyes and began to remember the days when he was young, playing football in the park with his friends. Those were happy times that he often thought about.
What does the old man remember?
The passage says he began to remember 'the days when he was young, playing football in the park with his friends.'
The passage says he began to remember 'the days when he was young, playing football in the park with his friends.'
According to the passage, what is a good way to remember important dates?
Read this passage:
To remember important dates, it's often helpful to write them down in a calendar or set a reminder on your phone. This way, you won't forget birthdays, appointments, or anniversaries.
According to the passage, what is a good way to remember important dates?
The passage suggests 'writing them down in a calendar or set a reminder on your phone' to avoid forgetting.
The passage suggests 'writing them down in a calendar or set a reminder on your phone' to avoid forgetting.
The speaker is emphasizing the importance of recalling specific aspects of a past event.
The sentence highlights someone's exceptional memory.
The speaker advises recalling fundamental guidelines for a task.
Read this aloud:
Could you elaborate on the factors that lead to one's propensity to remember certain information more vividly than others?
Focus: propensity, vividly
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the cognitive processes involved when we try to actively remember a forgotten name or fact.
Focus: cognitive, actively, forgotten
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Read this aloud:
How does the act of 'to remember' contribute to our sense of identity and personal narrative?
Focus: contribute, identity, narrative
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After the accident, he struggled to _____ the events of that evening, a common symptom of post-traumatic stress.
'Recollect' is the most fitting synonym for 'to remember' in a formal context, emphasizing the effort involved in bringing past events to mind, especially after a traumatic experience.
The seasoned historian possessed an uncanny ability to _____ minute details from obscure archives, a skill crucial to his groundbreaking research.
'Retain' accurately describes the act of keeping facts or knowledge in one's mind over a long period, which is essential for a historian recalling detailed information.
Despite her advanced age, she could vividly _____ her childhood in the war-torn city, her memories a testament to her resilience.
'Recount' implies narrating or telling about past events from memory, which aligns with the idea of someone vividly describing their childhood experiences.
To truly remember an event implies merely acknowledging its occurrence without necessarily recalling specific details.
To truly remember an event suggests recalling specific details, facts, or experiences associated with it, not just a vague awareness of its happening.
The concept of 'episodic memory' refers to the ability to remember personal experiences and specific events from one's life.
Episodic memory is a type of long-term memory that involves the recollection of specific events, situations, and experiences.
When someone states they cannot 'call to mind' a particular fact, they are indicating an inability to intentionally forget it.
To 'call to mind' a fact means to recall or remember it. Therefore, an inability to 'call to mind' implies an inability to remember, not an inability to forget.
Focus on the speaker's tone and the emphasis on 'remarkable ease' to infer the effectiveness of the mnemonic device.
Listen for descriptive adjectives like 'vividly' and 'intricate' to understand the depth of her recall.
Pay attention to the formal language and the phrase 'foundational principles' to grasp the significance of what needs to be remembered.
Read this aloud:
Articulate the challenges faced by societies that fail to remember their historical transgressions and the potential repercussions.
Focus: Articulate, transgressions, repercussions
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the cognitive processes involved in our ability to remember and retrieve long-term memories, and how these processes can be enhanced.
Focus: Cognitive, processes, retrieve, enhanced
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Read this aloud:
Reflect on a situation where a poignant memory significantly influenced a pivotal decision you made, and elaborate on the lessons learned.
Focus: Poignant, significantly, influenced, pivotal, elaborate
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/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Use flashcards
Create flashcards with the word 'to remember' on one side and its definition on the other. This helps with active recall.
Practice sentences
Write or say sentences using 'to remember'. For example: 'I need to remember my keys.' or 'Do you remember your first day of school?'
Associate with images
Find or draw a picture that represents 'to remember'. Visual aids can boost memory.
Listen to English songs
Many songs use the verb 'to remember'. Listen for it and try to understand its context.
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr general Wörter
a lot of
A2Das bedeutet, dass man von etwas eine große Menge hat. Es ist ein sehr gebräuchlicher Ausdruck für 'viel'.
about
A1Das Wort 'about' kann bedeuten, dass es um ein Thema geht, oder dass etwas ungefähr richtig ist.
above
A2An einem höheren Ort als etwas anderes, direkt darüber.
accident
A2Ein Unglück, das schlecht ausgeht und manchmal jemanden verletzt.
action
A2Aktion ist das Tun von etwas, um ein Ziel zu erreichen.
after
A2Wenn etwas 'after' passiert, kommt es später als etwas anderes, zeitlich oder räumlich.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2'Again' bedeutet, dass etwas noch einmal passiert oder wiederholt wird.
aged
B1Das beschreibt das Alter einer Person oder Sache, meistens in einem bestimmten Kontext.
alive
A2Etwas, das lebt und nicht tot ist.
