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Anraten vs. raten vs. zuraten vs. empfehlen — all these verbs mean to advise, to recomend. But anyway, is there any difference between these verbs? Are there any places, where I can use the one, but not the other?

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  • 2
    1. Does erraten really mean advise? 2. Do you want (5 \choose 2)=10 comparisons? – c.p. Apr 13 '15 at 18:24
  • You are right, erraten is to guess. The question is updated. – Mike B. Apr 13 '15 at 18:35
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  • raten: more advise than recommend. With a bit of certainty, “I know what is best, do X”. (Be sure to use a dative object (whom do you advise, wem rätst du etwas) or it can mean guess.)
  • empfehlen: recommend. More subjective than “raten”, ”I like Y best, try that”.
  • anraten, zuraten: sound old-fashioned. Seldom used nowadays.

Also

  • beraten: counsel, advise. “Tell me what you want and I’ll tell you how“.
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