German Verb Focus: “Studieren” vs. “Lernen”

A fundamental step in mastering a new language is understanding its vocabulary and the nuanced meanings that differentiate similar words. The German language, in particular, has several verbs that might seem interchangeable at first glance but serve different purposes depending on the context. In this article, we will delve into the difference between the German verbs “studieren” and “lernen,” providing examples for a better comprehension.

Studieren

‘Studieren’ is a German verb primarily translated into English as ‘to study’. However, it carries a more specific meaning than its English counterpart. ‘Studieren’ is mainly used to describe the act of studying at a university or college, i.e., pursuing a formal academic education. The direct object following ‘studieren’ is typically the subject or field of study.

For example:

1. Ich studiere Medizin an der Universität. (I’m studying Medicine at the university.)
2. Sie studiert Physik. (She is studying Physics.)
3. Er studiert Kunstgeschichte in Berlin. (He is studying Art History in Berlin.)

It’s also noteworthy that ‘studieren’ is used in a few other contexts, such as ‘studying’ a piece of music or art in depth. Here, the focus is on deep, concentrated analysis or learning something by heart.

For example:

4. Der Dirigent studiert die Partitur. (The conductor is studying the score.)

Lernen

On the other hand, ‘lernen’ has a broader application and is generally translated as ‘to learn’. ‘Lernen’ refers to the acquisition of knowledge or skills, regardless of the environment. It can be used to refer to studying for an exam, learning a new skill, or even picking up a new hobby.

For example:

1. Ich lerne für die Prüfung. (I am studying for the exam.)
2. Sie lernt Spanisch. (She is learning Spanish.)
3. Er lernt, wie man kocht. (He is learning how to cook.)

Unlike ‘studieren’, ‘lernen’ isn’t exclusive to the academic realm. In fact, it’s the verb you’ll use for most types of learning in everyday life. It also has the additional meaning of ‘to teach’, when used reflexively.

For example:

4. Ich lerne mir Selbstverteidigung. (I am teaching myself self-defense.)

Comparing ‘Studieren’ and ‘Lernen’

The main difference between ‘studieren’ and ‘lernen’ lies in their level of specificity and formality. ‘Studieren’ is usually related to a formal academic study at a tertiary institution, whereas ‘lernen’ is a general term for learning that applies to all types of knowledge acquisition.

If you were to say ‘Ich studiere Deutsch‘ (I’m studying German), it would imply that you are undertaking a formal academic study of German, perhaps as a university major. On the other hand, ‘Ich lerne Deutsch‘ (I’m learning German) could mean that you are learning German in school, through a language app, with a tutor, or even self-studying it in your free time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both ‘studieren’ and ‘lernen’ involve gaining knowledge, they’re used in different contexts. ‘Studieren’ has a narrower, more formal scope, typically related to university-level education. Conversely, ‘lernen’ is more general and can refer to any act of learning, whether academic or informal. Understanding the subtleties between similar words like these is crucial to becoming proficient in German or any other language.