ändern
to change
To alter something so that it becomes different from before; to make a modification.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss den Termin für unser Treffen leider ändern.
Unfortunately, I have to change the date for our meeting.
ändern
to change
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Meanings
sich ändern
to change
To become different; to undergo a change.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeiten haben sich geändert, heute ist vieles anders.
Times have changed; today many things are different.
etwas an etwas ändern
to change something about something
To change a specific aspect or part of something.
EXAMPLE
An der Tatsache, dass es zu spät ist, können wir nun nichts mehr ändern.
We can no longer change anything about the fact that it is too late.
Usage tips
Transitive vs. reflexive
It is important to distinguish between 'ändern' and 'sich ändern'. 'Etwas ändern' (to change something) is transitive and means that a person actively changes a thing. 'Sich ändern' (to change) is reflexive and means that a thing or person becomes different by itself.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine Meinung geändert.
He changed his mind.
Fixed preposition
The construction 'etwas an etwas ändern' (to change something about something) always uses the preposition 'an' followed by the dative. It is used to express that you are changing a specific aspect of a larger thing.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du etwas an diesem Satz ändern? Er klingt nicht gut.
Can you change something about this sentence? It doesn't sound good.
Typical collocations
The verb 'ändern' is often combined with things that can be adjusted or corrected. Common collocations are: 'einen Plan ändern' (to change a plan), 'einen Termin ändern' (to change an appointment/date), 'die Adresse ändern' (to change the address), or 'die Reihenfolge ändern' (to change the order).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen den Plan für das Wochenende ändern, da Regen gemeldet ist.
We have to change the plan for the weekend because rain is forecast.
Compare with
ändern vs verändern
to change
Ändern and verändern can both mean making something different. Ändern is neutral and often suits a deliberate adjustment to a single aspect. Verändern tends to emphasize a change in the condition, form, or character of something and can therefore have more far-reaching effects.
ändern
Wir ändern im Wohnzimmer nur die Farbe der Vorhänge.
We are only changing the color of the curtains in the living room.
verändern
Der große Umbau verändert den ganzen Charakter des Wohnzimmers.
The major renovation is changing the entire character of the living room.
In real life
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