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B1 adjective #4,500 más común 10 min de lectura

erleichtert

Top 4,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos erleichtert en 30 segundos

Explicación erleichtert in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'erleichtert' as a special kind of 'happy'. You use it when something bad was going to happen, but it didn't. For example, if you lose your phone and then find it, you are 'erleichtert'. You don't need to worry about the grammar too much yet; just remember the phrase 'Ich bin erleichtert' (I am relieved). It is a good word to show how you feel in simple stories. You might use it after a German test or when you find your way to the train station. It's about that 'Phew!' feeling. Even though it's a B1 word, A1 students can use it to sound more natural when talking about their emotions. Just remember: 'leicht' means light, and 'erleichtert' is that light feeling in your heart when stress goes away.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'erleichtert' with simple reasons. You can say 'Ich bin erleichtert, weil...' (I am relieved because...). This helps you connect your feelings to events. You will also see it in simple past tense stories as 'war erleichtert' (was relieved). You should recognize that it comes from the verb 'erleichtern'. At this level, you might also use it to describe other people: 'Meine Mutter war erleichtert'. It's a very useful word for basic social interactions, like when you apologize for being late and your friend says it's okay. You can respond with 'Da bin ich aber erleichtert!' (I'm really relieved to hear that!). This shows you're moving beyond basic 'gut' or 'schlecht' feelings.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'erleichtert' with prepositions and in different positions in the sentence. The most important preposition is 'über' followed by the accusative case (e.g., 'erleichtert über den Erfolg'). You should also know the common phrase 'erleichtert aufatmen' (to breathe a sigh of relief). At this stage, you are expected to distinguish 'erleichtert' from similar words like 'froh' (glad) or 'beruhigt' (calmed). You can use it to talk about more complex topics, like job interviews, moving to a new city, or solving a difficult problem at work. It's a key word for the 'Speaking' part of the B1 exam, where you often have to describe personal experiences and emotions in detail. You should also be comfortable with the adjective endings, like 'ein erleichtertes Lächeln'.

At the B2 level, you use 'erleichtert' in more formal and abstract contexts. You might read it in news articles about the economy ('Der Markt ist erleichtert') or in literature where it describes a character's internal transformation. You should understand the nuances between 'erleichtert' and 'entlastet' (exonerated/unburdened). You can also use the verb 'erleichtern' in its various meanings, such as 'jemandem die Arbeit erleichtern' (to make someone's work easier). Your vocabulary should be rich enough to use 'erleichtert' alongside other sophisticated adjectives to describe a complex emotional state. For example: 'Sie war gleichermaßen erschöpft wie erleichtert' (She was equally exhausted and relieved). You also start to use it in more complex grammatical structures, like 'zu-infinitives': 'Es ist erleichternd zu wissen, dass...'.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its stylistic uses. You can use 'erleichtert' to express subtle irony or to describe large-scale social phenomena. You might analyze how the word is used in political rhetoric to ease public anxiety. You are familiar with literary synonyms like 'erlöst' or 'unbeschwert' and can explain exactly why 'erleichtert' is or isn't the right choice in a specific literary analysis. You can also use the noun 'Erleichterung' in complex nominal constructions, such as 'Zur allgemeinen Erleichterung trugen die neuen Sicherheitsmaßnahmen bei' (The new security measures contributed to the general relief). Your use of the word is precise, and you can manipulate its position in the sentence for rhetorical emphasis.

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At the C2 level, 'erleichtert' is just one tool in a vast emotional vocabulary. You can use it to discuss philosophical concepts of relief and the removal of existential burdens. You understand its use in historical texts and how its meaning might have subtly shifted over centuries. You can use the word in high-level academic writing, perhaps discussing the 'erleichternde Wirkung' (relieving effect) of a certain psychological therapy or a legal reform. You are also aware of very rare or archaic uses of the word family. You can perfectly capture the difference between a 'physiologische Erleichterung' and a 'psychologische Erleichterung'. At this level, your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, including the ability to use it in puns, complex metaphors, and sophisticated wordplay.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

erleichtert en 30 segundos

Erleichtert means 'relieved' and comes from the root 'leicht' (light). It describes the feeling after stress vanishes.
It is used both as an adjective ('Ich bin erleichtert') and an adverb ('Er atmete erleichtert auf').
Commonly paired with the preposition 'über' (+ Accusative) or the conjunction 'dass'.
It is a B1 level word essential for describing emotional resolution and the end of anxiety.

The German word erleichtert is a powerful adjective that primarily translates to "relieved" in English. At its core, it describes the emotional state one enters after a period of tension, anxiety, or physical burden has been removed. Imagine carrying a heavy backpack for miles; the moment you take it off, you feel erleichtert. This physical sensation of "lightness" (derived from the root word leicht, meaning light or easy) is metaphorically applied to the human psyche in German. When a German speaker says they are erleichtert, they are communicating that a weight has been lifted from their shoulders, whether that weight was a difficult exam, a health scare, or a missing set of car keys.

Emotional Context: It is used when a negative expectation does not come true or when a difficult task is finally completed successfully. It is less about pure 'happiness' and more about the 'absence of stress'.

Nachdem der Arzt angerufen hatte, war sie sichtlich erleichtert.

In everyday conversation, erleichtert is incredibly common because life is full of small anxieties. You might hear it at the airport when a flight is finally boarding after a long delay, or in a classroom after a teacher announces that the homework isn't due until next week. It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical and the emotional. Because the prefix er- in German often denotes a change of state or the beginning of a process, erleichtert literally implies the process of becoming light. This makes it more dynamic than just saying 'happy'. It implies a prior state of 'heaviness' or 'difficulty'.

Grammatical Function: As an adjective, it can be used predicatively (Das ist erleichtert) or attributively (Ein erleichtertes Lächeln). It is derived from the verb 'erleichtern' (to facilitate/ease).

Furthermore, the word can be used in more formal settings, such as business or politics, to describe the easing of regulations or the reduction of financial burdens. However, in those cases, the verb form erleichtern is more frequent. When used as an adjective describing a person's mood, it remains deeply personal. It is the deep breath you take after a narrow escape. It is the smile that returns to your face when you find out your loved ones are safe. It is one of those German words that perfectly captures a universal human experience through a very logical linguistic construction.

Ich bin erleichtert, dass wir das Problem endlich gelöst haben.

Using erleichtert correctly requires understanding its relationship with prepositions and its position in a sentence. Most commonly, you will use it with the preposition über (about/at) followed by the accusative case. For example, "Ich bin erleichtert über die Nachricht" (I am relieved about the news). This construction allows you to specify exactly what caused the relief. Alternatively, you can follow it with a subordinate clause starting with dass (that), such as "Wir sind erleichtert, dass alles gut gegangen ist" (We are relieved that everything went well). This is perhaps the most frequent way you will encounter the word in spoken German.

Common Prepositions: 'Erleichtert über' [+ Accusative] is the standard. Occasionally, you might see 'erleichtert von' if referring to being relieved of a duty, though this is more formal.

Er gab ein erleichtertes Seufzen von sich.

When using erleichtert as an attributive adjective (placed before a noun), it must take the appropriate adjective endings based on the gender, case, and number of the noun. For instance, "ein erleichterter Vater" (a relieved father), "eine erleichterte Mutter" (a relieved mother), or "das erleichterte Kind" (the relieved child). It often modifies nouns like Seufzen (sigh), Lächeln (smile), or Gesichtsausdruck (facial expression). These combinations help paint a vivid picture of someone's reaction to good news. It's not just that they *are* relieved; they are *showing* it through their actions.

Another interesting use of erleichtert is in its adverbial form. In German, most adjectives can function as adverbs without changing their form. So, you can say "Er atmete erleichtert auf" (He breathed a sigh of relief). Here, erleichtert describes the manner in which he breathed. This specific phrase, "erleichtert aufatmen," is a set expression in German that every B1 learner should memorize. It perfectly captures the physical release of tension that defines the word. Whether you are writing a formal email expressing relief that a project is back on track or telling a friend about a scary situation that ended well, erleichtert is your go-to word.

Alle Beteiligten waren erleichtert, als das vermisste Kind gefunden wurde.

In the real world, erleichtert is a staple of news broadcasts, daily conversations, and literature. On the news, you might hear a reporter say, "Die Märkte reagierten erleichtert auf die Zinsentscheidung" (The markets reacted with relief to the interest rate decision). In this context, it describes a collective sense of ease among investors. It’s also very common in sports commentary. When a goalkeeper makes a crucial save in the last minute, the commentator might shout, "Die Fans können erleichtert aufatmen!" (The fans can breathe a sigh of relief!). It captures the high-stakes emotions inherent in competition.

News & Media: Often used to describe public reaction to political agreements, economic stability, or the resolution of a crisis.

Der Trainer wirkte nach dem Sieg sehr erleichtert.

In medical settings, erleichtert is a word of comfort. Doctors use it when giving good news to patients: "Sie können erleichtert sein, der Befund ist negativ" (You can be relieved, the result is negative). It’s also heard in family settings. Parents often use it when their children come home safely after a night out or when a difficult phase of upbringing (like the 'terrible twos') finally passes. You’ll hear it in the workplace too, especially after a big presentation or the successful completion of a stressful audit. It’s a word that signals the end of a period of 'holding one's breath'.

Socially, Germans might use it to express empathy. If a friend tells you they finally passed their driving test after three tries, you might respond with, "Oh, da bist du sicher erleichtert!" (Oh, you must be relieved!). It shows you understand the pressure they were under. It’s also found in literature to describe internal character shifts. A protagonist might feel erleichtert after finally telling the truth, even if the truth has consequences. This nuance—the relief of honesty—is a common theme. In summary, wherever there is stress followed by a resolution, the word erleichtert is never far away.

„Gott sei Dank!“, rief sie erleichtert aus.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make with erleichtert is confusing it with the simple adjective leicht (easy/light). While they share a root, they are not interchangeable. You cannot say "Die Hausaufgabe war erleichtert" to mean the homework was easy; you must say "Die Hausaufgabe war leicht." Erleichtert is specifically for the *feeling* of relief or the *process* of making something easier. Another frequent error is using the wrong preposition. Students often try to translate "relieved from" literally as "erleichtert von," but in most emotional contexts, "erleichtert über" (relieved about) is the correct German structure.

Erleichtert vs. Froh: 'Froh' means happy/glad. 'Erleichtert' specifically implies a prior burden. If you're happy you won the lottery, use 'froh'. If you're happy you didn't lose your wallet, use 'erleichtert'.

Falsch: Ich bin leicht, dass du da bist. (I am light/easy that you are here.)

Another nuance that trips up learners is the difference between erleichtert and beruhigt (calmed/reassured). While they are close synonyms, beruhigt implies a return to a state of peace or the cessation of worry, whereas erleichtert focuses more on the removal of a specific burden. If you were worried about a storm, you are beruhigt when it passes. If you were carrying a heavy box and put it down, you are erleichtert. In emotional terms, erleichtert is often more intense and immediate. Using beruhigt when you mean erleichtert can make you sound less emotional than you actually are.

Finally, be careful with the verb erleichtern. While the adjective means relieved, the verb can also mean "to make easier" or, in a very specific (and often humorous or polite) context, "to relieve oneself" (to go to the bathroom). If you say "Ich muss mich erleichtern," people will understand you need the toilet, not that you need to feel emotionally better. This is a classic trap for learners who try to use reflexive verbs without knowing their secondary meanings. Stick to "Ich bin erleichtert" for the emotion, and you'll avoid any awkward misunderstandings in polite company.

Richtig: Ich bin erleichtert, dass die Prüfung vorbei ist.

To truly master German, you need to know the synonyms for erleichtert and when to use them. The most common alternative is beruhigt (reassured). While erleichtert is the feeling of a weight being lifted, beruhigt is the feeling of no longer being nervous. For example, if you're waiting for a phone call, you're nervous; once it comes and the news is good, you are both erleichtert (the stress is gone) and beruhigt (you are calm again). Another close word is froh (glad), which is more general. You can be froh about a gift, but you are erleichtert about a negative test result.

Comparison: Erleichtert vs. Entspannt: 'Entspannt' (relaxed) describes a physical or mental state of ease. You can be relaxed on vacation without having been stressed before. 'Erleichtert' always implies a prior state of tension.

Anstatt 'erleichtert' zu sagen, könnte man auch „steinvomherzgefallen“ verwenden (idiomatisch).

In more formal or technical contexts, you might use entlastet (unburdened/exonerated). This is common in legal or professional settings. If a person is proven innocent, they are entlastet. While they certainly feel erleichtert, the word entlastet describes the official removal of the burden of proof. Another higher-level word is unbeschwert (lighthearted/carefree). This describes a state where one has no worries at all, often used to describe a happy childhood or a perfect summer day. It differs from erleichtert because it doesn't necessarily follow a specific problem; it's a general state of being.

Lastly, consider the word erlöst (redeemed/saved). This is a very strong word, often with religious or existential overtones. If someone has been suffering for a long time and that suffering finally ends, they might feel erlöst. It is a much deeper form of relief than just being erleichtert about a lost key. By understanding these gradations—from the simple froh to the profound erlöst—you can choose the exact word that fits the situation. However, for 90% of daily situations involving the end of stress, erleichtert is the perfect, most natural choice for any B1-level speaker.

Ich bin beruhigt, dass es dir gut geht, und erleichtert, dass wir nicht länger warten müssen.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'vielleicht' (maybe) is actually a compound of 'viel' (much) and 'leicht' (easy/light), originally meaning 'very easily' (it could happen).

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ɛɐ̯ˈlaɪçtɐt/

US /ɛrˈlaɪçtərt/

The stress is on the second syllable: er-LEICH-tert.

Rima con

beichtet leuchtet (near rhyme) erweicht (near rhyme) gereicht seicht vielleicht erreicht gebeichtet

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'ch' like 'k' (it should be soft).
Stress on the first syllable (it should be the second).
Forgetting the final 't'.
Pronouncing 'ei' like 'ay' as in 'play' (it should be like 'eye').
Over-emphasizing the 'er' prefix.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'leicht'.

Escritura 4/5

Adjective endings and 'ch' spelling can be tricky.

Expresión oral 3/5

The 'ich-laut' (ch) requires practice for English speakers.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually, often emphasized in speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

leicht einfach froh Angst Stress

Aprende después

beruhigt enttäuscht überrascht aufgeregt Erleichterung

Avanzado

erlösen entlasten unbeschwert befreien Aufatmen

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective endings after 'sein'

Ich bin erleichtert (no ending).

Adjective endings before a noun

Ein erleichtert-es Lächeln (neuter ending).

Subordinate clauses with 'dass'

Ich bin erleichtert, dass du kommst (verb at end).

Preposition 'über' + Accusative

Erleichtert über den Sieg.

Prefix 'er-' for change of state

Erleichtern (to become light).

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Ejemplos por nivel

Ich bin erleichtert.

I am relieved.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

Bist du erleichtert?

Are you relieved?

Question form.

Er ist sehr erleichtert.

He is very relieved.

Use of 'sehr' as an intensifier.

Wir sind erleichtert, danke!

We are relieved, thanks!

Plural form.

Das Kind ist erleichtert.

The child is relieved.

Neuter subject.

Sie ist nicht erleichtert.

She is not relieved.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Ich war erleichtert.

I was relieved.

Past tense of 'sein' (war).

Endlich! Ich bin so erleichtert.

Finally! I am so relieved.

Exclamatory use.

Ich bin erleichtert, weil ich die Schlüssel habe.

I am relieved because I have the keys.

Subordinate clause with 'weil'.

Sie war erleichtert, als der Bus kam.

She was relieved when the bus arrived.

Temporal clause with 'als'.

Mein Vater sieht erleichtert aus.

My father looks relieved.

Verb 'aussehen' (to look like).

Wir sind erleichtert über die Hilfe.

We are relieved about the help.

Preposition 'über' + Accusative.

Bist du erleichtert, dass es nicht regnet?

Are you relieved that it's not raining?

'dass' clause.

Er gab ein erleichtertes Lächeln.

He gave a relieved smile.

Attributive adjective ending '-es'.

Alle waren nach der Arbeit erleichtert.

Everyone was relieved after work.

Prepositional phrase 'nach der Arbeit'.

Ich bin erleichtert, dass du anrufst.

I am relieved that you are calling.

Present tense 'dass' clause.

Ich bin wirklich erleichtert, dass die Operation gut verlaufen ist.

I am really relieved that the surgery went well.

Complex 'dass' clause with perfect tense.

Nach der Prüfung konnte ich endlich erleichtert aufatmen.

After the exam, I could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Idiomatic phrase 'erleichtert aufatmen'.

Er war sichtlich erleichtert über die Nachricht.

He was visibly relieved about the news.

Adverb 'sichtlich' (visibly).

Ein erleichtertes Aufatmen ging durch die Menge.

A relieved sigh went through the crowd.

Adjective used as a noun-modifier.

Sie fühlte sich erleichtert, als sie die Wahrheit sagte.

She felt relieved when she told the truth.

Reflexive verb 'sich fühlen'.

Wir sind erleichtert, dass das Paket angekommen ist.

We are relieved that the package has arrived.

Perfect tense in the 'dass' clause.

Bist du erleichtert über deine Entscheidung?

Are you relieved about your decision?

Prepositional object.

Er wirkte erleichtert, aber auch müde.

He seemed relieved, but also tired.

Conjunction 'aber' (but).

Die Anleger reagierten erleichtert auf die Stabilisierung der Währung.

Investors reacted with relief to the stabilization of the currency.

Business context, verb 'reagieren auf'.

Trotz der Verzögerung war der Projektleiter erleichtert.

Despite the delay, the project manager was relieved.

Preposition 'trotz' + Genitive.

Es ist eine erleichterte Stimmung im Büro spürbar.

A relieved atmosphere is palpable in the office.

Attributive adjective 'erleichterte'.

Ich bin erleichtert, dass wir einen Kompromiss gefunden haben.

I am relieved that we have found a compromise.

Formal vocabulary 'Kompromiss'.

Erleichtert stellte sie fest, dass der Schaden gering war.

Relieved, she noted that the damage was minor.

Adjective used as a sentence-starting adverb.

Die Nachricht wirkte auf alle Beteiligten äußerst erleichternd.

The news had an extremely relieving effect on everyone involved.

Present participle 'erleichternd' as an adjective.

Man sah ihm an, wie erleichtert er war.

You could see by looking at him how relieved he was.

Indirect question with 'wie'.

Die Entdeckung des Fehlers war eher erleichtert als frustrierend.

The discovery of the error was more relieving than frustrating.

Comparison 'eher... als'.

Die internationale Gemeinschaft zeigte sich erleichtert über das Abkommen.

The international community showed relief over the agreement.

Reflexive 'sich zeigen' (to show oneself/appear).

Ein erleichtertes Raunen ging durch den Saal, als das Urteil verkündet wurde.

A relieved murmur went through the hall when the verdict was announced.

Literary noun 'Raunen' (murmur).

Obwohl die Gefahr gebannt war, fühlte er sich nicht sofort erleichtert.

Although the danger was averted, he didn't feel relieved immediately.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Die Erleichterung war ihm förmlich ins Gesicht geschrieben.

Relief was literally written all over his face.

Idiomatic expression with noun 'Erleichterung'.

Es war ein erleichterter Moment der Stille nach dem Chaos.

It was a relieved moment of silence after the chaos.

Abstract noun modification.

Die Reformen führten zu einer erleichterten Marktsituation.

The reforms led to an eased market situation.

Formal/Academic context.

Erleichtert von der Last der Verantwortung, trat er zurück.

Relieved of the burden of responsibility, he resigned.

Participle phrase used as a causative.

Die Ergebnisse der Studie waren für die Forscher höchst erleichtert.

The results of the study were highly relieving for the researchers.

Superlative 'höchst'.

In der erleichterten Atmosphäre des Post-Konflikt-Szenarios begannen die Verhandlungen.

In the eased atmosphere of the post-conflict scenario, negotiations began.

Complex prepositional phrase.

Seine erleichterte Reaktion kaschierte nur mühsam seine vorangegangene Panik.

His relieved reaction barely concealed his previous panic.

Sophisticated verb 'kaschieren' (to conceal).

Die ontologische Erleichterung, die er empfand, war kaum in Worte zu fassen.

The ontological relief he felt was hard to put into words.

Philosophical vocabulary 'ontologisch'.

Man kann die Erleichterung der Bevölkerung fast als physisches Greifbares beschreiben.

One can describe the relief of the population almost as something physically tangible.

Substantivized adjective 'Greifbares'.

Erleichtert, wenn auch skeptisch, nahm er das Friedensangebot an.

Relieved, albeit skeptical, he accepted the peace offer.

Parenthetical 'wenn auch' (albeit).

Die fiskalische Erleichterung durch die Steuersenkung blieb hinter den Erwartungen zurück.

The fiscal relief through the tax cut fell short of expectations.

Financial terminology 'fiskalisch'.

Das Werk endet mit einem erleichterten Akkord, der die vorangegangenen Dissonanzen auflöst.

The work ends with a relieved chord that resolves the previous dissonances.

Musicology context.

Ihre Worte wirkten wie ein erleichtertes Elixier auf seine gepeinigte Seele.

Her words acted like a relieving elixir on his tormented soul.

Metaphorical/Literary use.

Colocaciones comunes

erleichtert aufatmen

sichtlich erleichtert

erleichtertes Lächeln

erleichtertes Seufzen

äußerst erleichtert

reagieren erleichtert

erleichtert sein über

erleichtert feststellen

allgemein erleichtert

spürbar erleichtert

Frases Comunes

Da bin ich aber erleichtert!

— I'm really relieved to hear that! Used in conversation.

A: Das Auto ist nicht kaputt. B: Da bin ich aber erleichtert!

Gott sei Dank, ich bin so erleichtert.

— Thank God, I'm so relieved. A common exclamation.

Gott sei Dank, ich bin so erleichtert, dass du angerufen hast.

Ein Stein ist mir vom Herzen gefallen.

— A stone fell from my heart. (The idiomatic way to say I'm relieved).

Als ich die Zusage bekam, ist mir ein Stein vom Herzen gefallen.

Erleichtert die Arbeit.

— Makes the work easier. (Using the verb form).

Dieser neue Computer erleichtert die Arbeit ungemein.

Das ist sehr erleichternd.

— That is very relieving/comforting.

Zu wissen, dass Hilfe kommt, ist sehr erleichternd.

Sich erleichtert fühlen.

— To feel relieved.

Nach dem Gespräch fühlte ich mich viel erleichterter.

Erleichtert den Abschied.

— Makes the goodbye easier.

Ein kleines Geschenk erleichtert den Abschied.

Ein erleichterter Blick.

— A relieved look/glance.

Sie warfen sich einen erleichterten Blick zu.

Erleichtert über die Wende.

— Relieved about the turn of events.

Wir sind alle erleichtert über die positive Wende.

Endlich erleichtert!

— Finally relieved!

Nach drei Tagen Warten: Endlich erleichtert!

Se confunde a menudo con

erleichtert vs leicht

Means 'easy' or 'not heavy'. Erleichtert is the emotion of relief.

erleichtert vs einfach

Means 'simple'. Use 'leicht' for weight/difficulty, but 'erleichtert' for feelings.

erleichtert vs beruhigt

Means 'calmed'. Very similar, but 'erleichtert' focuses on the weight being gone.

Modismos y expresiones

"Ein Stein fällt jemandem vom Herzen"

— To feel a great sense of relief.

Mir fiel ein Stein vom Herzen, als ich die Nachricht hörte.

Common/Informal

"Drei Kreuze machen"

— To be extremely relieved that something is over.

Ich mache drei Kreuze, wenn die Prüfung vorbei ist.

Informal

"Aufatmen können"

— To be able to breathe again (metaphorically).

Jetzt können wir endlich aufatmen.

Neutral

"Aus dem Schneider sein"

— To be out of trouble / relieved of a burden.

Nach der Zahlung sind wir endlich aus dem Schneider.

Informal

"Den Kopf aus der Schlinge ziehen"

— To narrowly escape a bad situation.

Er hat noch mal den Kopf aus der Schlinge gezogen.

Metaphorical

"Wieder Land sehen"

— To see light at the end of the tunnel / feel relief approaching.

Nach dem Stress sehen wir endlich wieder Land.

Informal

"Sich eine Last von der Seele reden"

— To get something off one's chest.

Sie musste sich die Last von der Seele reden.

Emotional

"Das Schlimmste hinter sich haben"

— To have the worst behind one.

Wir haben das Schlimmste hinter uns.

Neutral

"Licht am Ende des Tunnels sehen"

— To see light at the end of the tunnel.

Ich sehe endlich Licht am Ende des Tunnels.

Common

"Sich erleichtern"

— Euphemism for going to the bathroom.

Er musste sich kurz erleichtern.

Formal/Euphemistic

Fácil de confundir

erleichtert vs leicht

Shared root.

'Leicht' is an objective quality (The box is light). 'Erleichtert' is a subjective feeling (I feel light because the stress is gone).

Die Tasche ist leicht, aber ich bin erleichtert, dass ich sie nicht mehr tragen muss.

erleichtert vs froh

Both are positive emotions.

'Froh' is general happiness. 'Erleichtert' is relief specifically after a negative possibility.

Ich bin froh über das Geschenk, aber erleichtert über das negative Testergebnis.

erleichtert vs beruhigt

Both follow anxiety.

'Beruhigt' is about the heart rate slowing down. 'Erleichtert' is about the burden being lifted.

Die Mutter ist beruhigt (no longer panicking) and erleichtert (the child is home).

erleichtert vs entspannt

Both involve low tension.

'Entspannt' can be a permanent state or from a massage. 'Erleichtert' requires a prior problem.

Im Spa bin ich entspannt. Nach der Steuererklärung bin ich erleichtert.

erleichtert vs entlastet

Both mean 'unburdened'.

'Entlastet' is more objective/legal. 'Erleichtert' is more emotional/internal.

Der Beweis entlastet den Zeugen; er ist sehr erleichtert.

Patrones de oraciones

Ich bin [Adjektiv].

Ich bin erleichtert.

Ich bin erleichtert, weil [Satz].

Ich bin erleichtert, weil ich fertig bin.

Ich bin erleichtert über [Akkusativ].

Ich bin erleichtert über die Nachricht.

Er [Verb] erleichtert auf.

Er atmete erleichtert auf.

Ein [Adjektiv+Endung] [Nomen].

Ein erleichtertes Lächeln erschien.

Es ist erleichternd, [zu + Infinitiv].

Es ist erleichternd, dich zu sehen.

[Partizip], [Hauptsatz].

Erleichtert von der Last, ging er nach Hause.

Die [Nomen] wirkte [Adverb] erleichternd.

Die Entscheidung wirkte ungemein erleichternd.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Die Erleichterung (relief/easing)

Die Leichtigkeit (lightness)

Das Leichtgewicht (lightweight)

Verbos

erleichtern (to relieve/ease/facilitate)

leuchten (to shine - related root)

vereinfachen (to simplify - semantic relative)

Adjetivos

leicht (easy/light)

leichtfertig (frivolous)

leichtgläubig (gullible)

erleichternd (relieving - present participle)

Relacionado

Vielleicht (maybe - literally 'much light')

Leichtathletik (athletics/track and field)

Leichtsinn (carelessness)

Erleichterung (ease of use)

Leichtbau (lightweight construction)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written German.

Errores comunes

Ich bin leicht. → Ich bin erleichtert.
'Ich bin leicht' means 'I am lightweight' (physically). To express relief, you must use 'erleichtert'.
Ich bin erleichtert von der Nachricht. → Ich bin erleichtert über die Nachricht.
English says 'relieved by/at', but German usually uses 'über' for the cause of an emotion.
Die Arbeit war erleichtert. → Die Arbeit war leicht.
If a task is easy, use 'leicht'. 'Erleichtert' is for the person feeling the relief or a process that was made easier.
Ich fühle mich froh (when meaning relief). → Ich fühle mich erleichtert.
'Froh' is too general. If a specific worry is gone, 'erleichtert' is the precise word.
Erleichtert aufatmen (wrong spelling). → erleichtert aufatmen
Many students write 'erleichtet' (forgetting the 'r'). Remember: er-leicht-ert.

Consejos

The Lightness Trick

Associate 'erleichtert' with 'light'. If you feel light, you are relieved. The root 'leicht' is right there in the middle of the word.

Dass-Clauses

Practice saying 'Ich bin erleichtert, dass...' followed by a simple sentence. This is the most common way to explain why you are relieved.

Idiom Power

Learn 'Mir fällt ein Stein vom Herzen'. Germans use this idiom as much as the word 'erleichtert'. It makes you sound very fluent.

Exhale for Effect

When you say 'erleichtert', try to sound like you are actually breathing out. It helps with the emotional delivery of the word.

Context Clues

If you hear 'Puh!' or 'Gott sei Dank', expect the word 'erleichtert' or 'Erleichterung' to follow soon.

Adjective Endings

Don't forget the 't' at the end of 'erleichtert'. It's a participle used as an adjective, so that 't' is essential.

Social Empathy

Use 'Da bist du sicher erleichtert!' to show someone you understand their stress. It's a great way to build rapport.

B1 Exam Tip

In the B1 speaking exam, use 'erleichtert' to describe how you felt after a challenge. It's a high-value vocabulary word for the examiners.

Visibly Relieved

Use 'sichtlich erleichtert' to describe someone else. It's a very common collocation in storytelling.

Verb vs Adjective

Remember: 'erleichtern' (verb) = to make easier; 'erleichtert' (adjective) = relieved. Don't mix them up in a sentence!

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of the word 'LIGHT' inside 'er-LEICH-tert'. When you are relieved, you feel 'LIGHTer'. The 'er-' is like 'EARning' that lightness.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person carrying a massive stone labeled 'STRESS'. They drop the stone and float an inch off the ground. That floating feeling is 'erleichtert'.

Word Web

leicht Erleichterung aufatmen Stein vom Herzen Stress weg beruhigt froh Lächeln

Desafío

Try to use 'erleichtert' in three different situations today: once for a small thing (finding keys), once for a big thing (finishing work), and once for someone else's good news.

Origen de la palabra

From the Middle High German 'erliuhten', which meant to make light or to illuminate. It is a combination of the prefix 'er-' (denoting a change of state) and 'leicht' (from Proto-Germanic *linhtaz).

Significado original: To make something physically less heavy or to bring light to a dark place.

Germanic.

Contexto cultural

Be careful with 'sich erleichtern' (to relieve oneself) as it is a euphemism for urination.

English speakers often use 'relieved' for both emotional and physical contexts. German does the same, but the 'lightness' metaphor is more linguistically obvious.

The phrase 'Mir fällt ein Stein vom Herzen' is ubiquitous in German pop songs and movies. In the movie 'Das Boot', the crew is 'erleichtert' every time they escape a depth charge attack. German news often uses 'erleichtert' to describe the EU's reaction to successful treaty negotiations.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

After an exam

Ich bin so erleichtert!
Endlich vorbei!
Aufatmen!
Gott sei Dank!

Medical results

Der Befund ist negativ.
Was für eine Erleichterung!
Ich bin erleichtert.
Alles gut.

Finding something lost

Da ist es ja!
Ich bin erleichtert.
Gefunden!
Zum Glück!

Travel delays

Der Zug kommt doch.
Erleichtert aufatmen.
Endlich geht es weiter.
Puh!

Business success

Das Projekt ist fertig.
Wir sind erleichtert.
Gute Arbeit.
Ziel erreicht.

Inicios de conversación

"Warst du schon mal so richtig erleichtert nach einer Prüfung?"

"Welche Nachricht hat dich in letzter Zeit erleichtert?"

"Fühlst du dich erleichtert, wenn du deine Hausaufgaben fertig hast?"

"Was ist für dich die größte Erleichterung im Alltag?"

"Warum sehen die Leute am Flughafen oft erleichtert aus?"

Temas para diario

Beschreibe einen Moment, in dem dir ein Stein vom Herzen gefallen ist.

Warum ist es wichtig, sich nach einer stressigen Zeit erleichtert zu fühlen?

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du erleichtert warst, obwohl das Ergebnis nicht perfekt war.

Wie verändert sich deine Körpersprache, wenn du erleichtert bist?

Was erleichtert dir das Deutschlernen am meisten?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It can be both! As an adjective, it means 'relieved' (Ich bin erleichtert). It is also the past participle of the verb 'erleichtern' (to ease/facilitate). In daily use, you will mostly use it as an adjective to describe your feelings.

'Leicht' means 'easy' or 'lightweight'. 'Erleichtert' means 'relieved'. You would say 'Die Prüfung war leicht' (The exam was easy) and 'Ich bin erleichtert, dass sie vorbei ist' (I am relieved that it is over).

The most common preposition is 'über' followed by the accusative case. For example: 'Ich bin erleichtert über die gute Nachricht' (I am relieved about the good news).

Yes, but usually in the verb form 'erleichtern'. For example, 'Das neue Werkzeug erleichtert die Arbeit' (The new tool makes the work easier). As an adjective, it is almost always emotional.

The standard phrase is 'ein erleichtertes Aufatmen' or 'ein Seufzer der Erleichterung'. Both are very common.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your doctor, or your best friend. It is perfectly appropriate in all settings.

The noun is 'die Erleichterung' (feminine). For example: 'Das ist eine große Erleichterung' (That is a great relief).

As an adjective used after 'sein' (predicative), it doesn't change: 'Wir sind erleichtert'. As an adjective before a noun, it follows standard plural endings: 'die erleichterten Menschen'.

'Beruhigt' is the closest synonym. If you want an idiom, use 'Ein Stein ist mir vom Herzen gefallen'.

It is the 'ich-laut'. Imagine hissed air passing between your tongue and the roof of your mouth. It's soft, like the 'h' in 'human'.

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