to add / to attach
Loading your saved state.
to add
To add something to something already existing, especially in writing or speech. Synonymous with 'hinzufügen' (to add).
Ich möchte noch anfügen, dass die Frist morgen abläuft.
I would still like to add that the deadline expires tomorrow.
to attach
To attach a file or document to an email or another digital message.
Vergessen Sie nicht, Ihren Lebenslauf als PDF anzufügen.
Don't forget to attach your CV as a PDF.
to fit onto
To connect fittingly to something or fit seamlessly into something.
Das neue Bauteil fügte sich perfekt an die bestehende Konstruktion an.
The new component fit perfectly onto the existing structure.
'Anfügen' (to add/to attach) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Er fügte seiner E-Mail noch ein Foto an.
He also attached a photo to his email.
You can tell whether 'anfügen' (to add/to attach) means adding information or attaching a file from the object: you add a remark (information), but attach a PDF file (document).
Lassen Sie mich noch eine kurze Bemerkung anfügen.
Let me add one brief remark.
The formulation 'Ich möchte [noch] anfügen, dass ...' (I would [still] like to add that ...) is a polite and common way to introduce additional information in a conversation or presentation.
Ich möchte noch anfügen, dass wir uns nächste Woche wieder treffen.
I would still like to add that we will meet again next week.
In the reflexive form 'sich anfügen', the verb means that something fits exactly. It is often used with the preposition 'an (+ accusative)'.
Der neue Flügel des Gebäudes fügt sich harmonisch an den Altbau an.
The new wing of the building fits harmoniously onto the old building.
to add
Both words are possible for an additional remark. „Hinzufügen“ refers generally to adding something, while „anfügen“ more clearly shows that it is directly attached to what came before as an addendum. For a clear addendum at the end, „anfügen“ is therefore especially suitable.
Am Ende des Berichts fügte ich noch eine kurze Bemerkung an.
At the end of the report, I added a brief remark.
Ich möchte dem Bericht noch eine wichtige Information hinzufügen.
I would like to add an important piece of information to the report.
