B1 verb 3 min de lecture

Erstellen

When you're learning German at a B1 level, you'll start encountering more verbs that express nuanced actions. "Erstellen" is a good example. It means to create or draw up something, often something formal or complex. Think of creating a document, a plan, or even a piece of software.

You wouldn't typically use "erstellen" for something simple like making a sandwich. Instead, it implies a process of construction, design, or compilation. It's a useful verb to know when talking about tasks at work or academic projects.

§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives

The German verb “erstellen” is a good one to add to your vocabulary. It means “to create” or “to draw up.” But, like many words, it has some close relatives that might seem interchangeable. Let's look at when to use “erstellen” and when another word might be a better fit.

DEFINITION
to create, draw up

“Erstellen” is often used for creating something concrete or abstract from scratch, especially something that requires planning, design, or intellectual effort. Think documents, reports, websites, plans, or even a concept.

Wir müssen einen neuen Zeitplan erstellen. (We need to create a new schedule.)

Der Architekt wird die Baupläne erstellen. (The architect will draw up the building plans.)

§ Erstellen vs. Machen

“Machen” is a very common and general verb meaning “to make” or “to do.” It's often a good default, but it lacks the specific nuance of “erstellen.”

  • Use “machen” for:

    • General actions: Ich mache Hausaufgaben. (I do homework.)
    • Simple creations: Ich mache einen Kuchen. (I'm making a cake.)
  • Use “erstellen” for:

    • More complex or formal creations: einen Bericht erstellen (to create a report), eine Website erstellen (to create a website).

§ Erstellen vs. Schaffen

“Schaffen” also means “to create,” but it often implies a higher degree of originality, artistic creation, or achieving something significant. It can also mean “to manage” or “to accomplish.”

  • Use “schaffen” for:

    • Artistic works: Ein Künstler schafft Kunstwerke. (An artist creates works of art.)
    • Original ideas or breakthroughs: Er hat etwas Neues geschaffen. (He created something new.)
    • Achieving a goal: Ich habe es geschafft! (I managed it! / I did it!)
  • Use “erstellen” for:

    • Structured, planned creations: eine Präsentation erstellen (to create a presentation).

§ Erstellen vs. Bilden

“Bilden” means “to form,” “to educate,” or “to constitute.” It's used when something is formed or shaped, often with an emphasis on structure or development, or in the context of education.

  • Use “bilden” for:

    • Forming a group: eine Gruppe bilden (to form a group).
    • Educating someone: jemanden bilden (to educate someone).
    • Forming an opinion: sich eine Meinung bilden (to form an opinion).
  • Use “erstellen” for:

    • Producing a specific item or document: ein Angebot erstellen (to draw up an offer).

§ Key Takeaway

When you're dealing with creating something that involves a process, planning, or a structured output – especially in a professional or formal context – “erstellen” is usually the right choice. It implies a deliberate act of putting something together. Don't be afraid to use it!

Exemples par niveau

1

Die Architekten mussten einen detaillierten Plan für das neue Gebäude erstellen.

The architects had to create a detailed plan for the new building.

Here, 'erstellen' is used with 'Plan' (plan), indicating the creation of a document or design.

2

Es ist wichtig, eine gute Beziehung zu den Kunden zu erstellen.

It is important to establish a good relationship with the customers.

'Beziehung erstellen' means to establish or build a relationship, emphasizing the active process.

3

Die Software ermöglicht es den Nutzern, komplexe Grafiken zu erstellen.

The software allows users to create complex graphics.

In this context, 'Grafiken erstellen' refers to the digital creation of images or designs.

4

Bevor wir anfangen, müssen wir eine Liste der benötigten Materialien erstellen.

Before we start, we need to draw up a list of the required materials.

'Liste erstellen' means to compile or draw up a list, similar to 'to make a list'.

5

Das Unternehmen möchte eine neue Marketingstrategie erstellen, um mehr Kunden zu erreichen.

The company wants to create a new marketing strategy to reach more customers.

Here, 'Strategie erstellen' implies developing or conceiving a new plan.

6

Wir müssen einen Bericht über die Testergebnisse erstellen.

We need to prepare a report about the test results.

'Bericht erstellen' means to write or prepare a report.

7

Die Regierung plant, neue Gesetze zum Umweltschutz zu erstellen.

The government plans to draw up new laws for environmental protection.

'Gesetze erstellen' is used for drafting or formulating laws.

8

Um eine effektive Präsentation zu erstellen, braucht man Zeit und Recherche.

To create an effective presentation, one needs time and research.

'Präsentation erstellen' means to design or prepare a presentation.

Souvent confondu avec

Erstellen vs Errichten

This means 'to erect' or 'to build' (e.g., a building, a monument). It's physical construction, not drawing up documents.

Erstellen vs Anfertigen

This means 'to make' or 'to produce' something specific, often by hand or with specific craftsmanship (e.g., a tailor making a suit). It's more about craftsmanship than formal creation.

Erstellen vs Einrichten

This means 'to furnish' or 'to set up' (e.g., a room, an account). It's about organizing or establishing something, not creating a new document or plan.

Expressions idiomatiques

"einen Plan erstellen"

to create/draw up a plan

Wir müssen einen detaillierten Plan erstellen. (We need to create a detailed plan.)

neutral

"ein Dokument erstellen"

to create/generate a document

Kannst du bitte ein neues Dokument erstellen? (Can you please create a new document?)

neutral

"eine Liste erstellen"

to make a list

Ich muss eine Einkaufsliste erstellen. (I need to make a shopping list.)

neutral

"ein Profil erstellen"

to create a profile

Du musst ein Profil erstellen, um dich anzumelden. (You need to create a profile to sign up.)

neutral

"einen Bericht erstellen"

to compile a report

Der Manager hat uns gebeten, einen Bericht zu erstellen. (The manager asked us to compile a report.)

formal

"eine Datei erstellen"

to create a file

Bitte erstellen Sie eine neue Datei für das Projekt. (Please create a new file for the project.)

neutral

"eine Webseite erstellen"

to create a website

Wir wollen eine neue Webseite erstellen. (We want to create a new website.)

neutral

"ein Konzept erstellen"

to develop a concept

Sie müssen ein überzeugendes Konzept erstellen. (You need to develop a convincing concept.)

formal

"eine Tabelle erstellen"

to create a table/spreadsheet

Ich habe eine Tabelle mit allen Daten erstellt. (I created a table with all the data.)

neutral

"eine Rechnung erstellen"

to generate an invoice

Der Verkäufer muss eine Rechnung erstellen. (The seller has to generate an invoice.)

neutral

Facile à confondre

Erstellen vs Machen

"Machen" is a general verb for 'to do' or 'to make,' which can sometimes overlap with 'erstellen.'

"Erstellen" implies a more deliberate and often formal act of creation, especially for documents, plans, or digital content. "Machen" is much broader and can be used for almost anything.

Ich mache mein Bett. (I make my bed.) vs. Ich erstelle einen Plan. (I create a plan.)

Erstellen vs Bilden

"Bilden" can mean 'to form' or 'to educate,' which might seem similar to 'creating' something.

"Bilden" often refers to forming something structured (like a sentence or an opinion) or to educating someone. "Erstellen" is about bringing something into existence, especially written or digital works.

Wir bilden einen Kreis. (We form a circle.) vs. Ich erstelle ein Dokument. (I create a document.)

Erstellen vs Herstellen

"Herstellen" means 'to produce' or 'to manufacture,' which is a type of creation.

"Herstellen" typically refers to the physical production of goods or products. "Erstellen" is more about non-physical creations like reports, designs, or software.

Die Fabrik stellt Autos her. (The factory produces cars.) vs. Ich erstelle eine Webseite. (I create a website.)

Erstellen vs Schaffen

"Schaffen" can mean 'to create' in a broader, more artistic or abstract sense.

"Schaffen" often implies a more original, artistic, or significant act of creation. "Erstellen" is more functional and task-oriented, especially for specific deliverables.

Der Künstler schafft ein Meisterwerk. (The artist creates a masterpiece.) vs. Ich erstelle eine Präsentation. (I create a presentation.)

Erstellen vs Entwerfen

"Entwerfen" means 'to design' or 'to draft,' which is a preliminary step to 'creating.'

"Entwerfen" focuses on the initial design or drafting phase. "Erstellen" is the actual act of bringing that design into its final form.

Sie entwerfen ein neues Gebäude. (They design a new building.) vs. Sie erstellen das Bauprojekt. (They create the construction project.)

Teste-toi 6 questions

listening A2

What does the speaker want to do with a new plan?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Ich möchte einen neuen Plan erstellen.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening A2

What needs to be created?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Wir müssen ein Dokument erstellen.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening A2

What is being asked to be created?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Kannst du eine Liste erstellen?
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

Ich kann einen Bericht erstellen.

Focus: er-STEL-len

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

Sie müssen einen Zeitplan erstellen.

Focus: Zeit-plan er-STEL-len

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

Wir werden eine Präsentation erstellen.

Focus: Prä-sen-ta-ti-on er-STEL-len

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 6 correct

Perfect score!

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