Erfahrung

Very early on, the German verb “erfahren” (“irfaran” in Old High German and “ervarn” in Middle High German) took on the meaning it enjoys today: to explore, to learn and to experience. The original meanings – “to journey”, “to pass through” or “to reach a destination” – immediately bring to mind the image of the wanderer and traveller who is discovering the world – and in the process acquiring experience of life. Since the 15th Century, figurative meanings based on this verb have also developed: a person who has learned and discovered things is described as “erfahren”, which means experienced, smart and well-versed, or – very literally – well-travelled.

Erfahrung

Very early on, the German verb “erfahren” (“irfaran” in Old High German and “ervarn” in Middle High German) took on the meaning it enjoys today: to explore, to learn and to experience. The original meanings – “to journey”, “to pass through” or “to reach a destination” – immediately bring to mind the image of the wanderer and traveller who is discovering the world – and in the process acquiring experience of life. Since the 15th Century, figurative meanings based on this verb have also developed: a person who has learned and discovered things is described as “erfahren”, which means experienced, smart and well-versed, or – very literally – well-travelled.

In a philosophical context, the German word Erfahrung (experience) stands for knowledge that is acquired through one’s own observations, perceptions and sensations – as the basis for insight and further intellectual and personal development. Thanks to the individuals who shape the company, the firm represents not only a great deal of combined professional experience but also valuable, self-acquired life experience. A broad view and the active promotion of knowledge-sharing between individual specialists tends to turn them into generalists. Contributing personal experience (Erfahrung) to individual client relationships and projects is just as valuable as active collaboration between partners, who remain in direct contact with their clients even when certain tasks are delegated to other team members.