Meanings

1. 1

   Inseparable verbal prefix that indicates a successful conclusion, leads to the wanted result.

   er- + wachsen (“to grow”) → erwachsen (“to arise”)

2. 2

   Inseparable verbal prefix that indicates killing or dying.

   er- + drücken (“to push, squeeze”) → erdrücken (“to squeeze dead”)

3. 3

   Inseparable verbal prefix that indicates getting something by some means, usually through conscious effort.

   er- + arbeiten (“to work”) → erarbeiten (“to gain something by means of working for it”)