Ernennen

ernennen is a German verb meaning to appoint or designate someone to a position, typically in an official, ceremonial, or formal context. It is formed from the verb nennen (to name) with the prefix er-, which adds a sense of completion or formal action. The noun form is Ernennung (appointment), and the past participle is ernannt (appointed). The verb conveys a deliberate act by an authority to confer a role or office.

Usage and nuances: ernennen is used for official acts such as appointing someone to a government post, a corporate board, or a ceremonial title. It implies an authorized, formal designation rather than a casual naming. It is common in political, administrative, and institutional language. In contrast, benennen can also mean to name or designate but is often less formal or lacks the explicit act of appointment implied by ernennen.

Examples: Der Präsident ernannte ihn zum Generaldirektor. (The president appointed him as director-general.) Die Königin ernannte ihn zum Ritter. (The queen knighted him.) Er wurde von der Kommission zum Vorsitzenden ernannt. (He was appointed by the commission as chairperson.) Ernennung is the associated noun used for the act itself, as in Die Ernennung des Präsidenten war umstritten.

Conjugation notes: ernennen follows the regular pattern of German -en verbs, with the past participle ernannt and simple past ernannte. See also Nennen, Benennen, Ernennung for related terms and distinctions.