Meaning 1neutral · 82%
To prevent someone from having to experience or do something unpleasant or difficult.
Natural examples
Der direkte Zug erspart uns einen langen Umweg.
The direct train saves us a long detour.
Die Ärztin ersparte dem Kind eine unnötige Untersuchung.
The doctor spared the child an unnecessary examination.
Bitte erspar mir die Einzelheiten des Streits.
Please spare me the details of the argument.
Usage note
A common pattern is spare someone something; sich etwas ersparen means spare oneself the trouble.
Mini-lesson: ersparen
To prevent someone from having to experience or do something unpleasant or difficult. A common pattern is spare someone something; sich etwas ersparen means spare oneself the trouble.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «ersparen»?