erlernenden

Erlernenden is a term used in German to describe people who are in the process of acquiring skills or knowledge. The word derives from erlernen (to learn or to acquire a skill) and can function as either a present-participle adjective (erlernend) or, in its declined forms, as a noun when capitalized as Erlernender/Erlernende. The form erlernenden appears in sentences as an attributive adjective before a noun in plural or in dative/accusative cases, for example den erlernenden Schülerinnen or die erlernenden Schülerinnen.

In grammar, erlernend is the present participle of erlernen and can be used as an adjective to describe ongoing learning. When capitalized as a noun, the terms Erlernender (masculine), Erlernende (feminine or plural) denote a person who learns. The plural genitive der Erlernenden and dative den Erlernenden are common inflected forms. The lowercase erlernenden is typically the declined adjective form used before a noun, as in erlernenden Fähigkeiten or den erlernenden Jugendlichen.

Usage and nuance: erlernenden is less common than standard terms such as Lernende or Auszubildende in everyday German. It is more likely to appear in formal, academic, or policy contexts to emphasize the ongoing process of skill acquisition rather than mere attendance as a student. In many contexts, Lernende (learners) or Auszubildende (apprentices) are preferred for clarity and conventional usage, while erlernend/erlernende can add a nuance of acquired or being acquired through instruction.

Examples: Die erlernenden Jugendlichen benötigen zusätzliche Unterstützung. Die Erlernenden erhielten eine Zusatzqualifikation. Die erlernenden Fähigkeiten entwickeln sich mit Praxis.