erläutern
to explain
verb er-LOY-tern Less Common
Origin: from 'lauter' (clear, pure)
Also means
to elucidate
Usage Note
erläutern means to explain or clarify something in detail: einen Sachverhalt erläutern. It is slightly more formal than erklären and stresses making something clearer point by point. The noun Erläuterung names an explanatory note or annotation.
Examples
"Können Sie diesen Punkt näher erläutern?"
Natural Translation
Can you explain this point in more detail?
Literal Translation
Can you this point closer explain?
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