an external, objective event, which the experiencer learns from

An erfahren experience typically means that the experiencer gains something from it, usually knowledge. It is therefore directly linked to a specific moment in time, and is an experience that can be recalled in order for future decisions to be made. E.g. If I were to observe someone becoming ill from eating a certain type of berry, then I would learn not to eat that type of berry in future.

‘Erfaren’ is one of two German verbs that are used to define experience. The other is ‘erleben‘.