Ernten

Ernten is the German verb ernten, meaning to harvest or reap ripe crops. The noun die Ernte denotes a harvest; die Ernten is the plural form used to refer to multiple harvests or harvest seasons. The term appears in agricultural, ecological, and economic contexts.

In agriculture, harvesting marks the end of the growing cycle. It occurs when crops reach maturity and weather conditions permit safe collection. The timing and method vary by crop: cereal grains like wheat and barley are often harvested with combine harvesters; fruits and vegetables may be picked by hand. Yields are measured in mass per unit area (for example, tons per hectare) and are influenced by climate, soil, variety, pests, and management practices. Post-harvest handling includes cleaning, storage, and transport to preserve quality and reduce losses.

Economic and cultural aspects: Harvests influence food supply, prices, and rural livelihoods. The concept of Ernte and Erntedankfest reflects agricultural calendars in German-speaking regions; Erntedankfest is a thanksgiving festival celebrating the year’s harvest, with regional customs and foods.

Related terms include Erntezeit (harvest season), Ernteausfall (crop failure), and Ernteverlust (harvest loss). The word remains central to discussions of farming, seasonal work, and rural economies in German-speaking contexts.