Erklärt

Erklärt is a form of the German verb erklären, meaning to explain or to make clear. In modern German it primarily functions as a finite verb: in the present tense, third-person singular, "er erklärt" means "he explains." The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object, as in "Der Lehrer erklärt den Sachverhalt." It can also take a dative indirect object to indicate to whom something is explained: "Ich erkläre dir das Problem." With subordinate clauses it often introduces the content of the explanation, using "dass" or infinitive constructions: "Sie erklärt, dass..."

As a participle, "erklärt" appears with the auxiliary haben to form perfect tenses: "Er hat erklärt" means "he has explained." The simple past is "erklärte" in standard written usage: "Er erklärte den Ablauf." The passive voice uses forms like "Es wird erklärt" (it is explained). The phrase "sich erklären" is a pronominal verb meaning to explain oneself or to declare one’s position: "Er hat sich erklärt."

Etymology and related forms: the verb derives from the prefix er- plus klären (to clarify). The related noun is Erklärung (explanation). Adjectives include erklärbar (explainable) and erklärungsbedürftig (in need of explanation). In usage, erklärt is neutral and common across journalism, education, and everyday language. It contrasts with synonyms such as erläutern or ausführen, which can carry nuances like more detailed or illustrative clarification. Overall, erklärt functions as a core verb for conveying clarification, justification, and explication in German texts.