anführen
to lead
To lead a group, a movement, or a list, or to be at its head.
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän wird die Mannschaft auf das Spielfeld anführen.
The captain will lead the team onto the field.
anführen
to lead / cite / trick
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Meanings
anführen
to cite
To cite or mention something as an example, reason, or piece of evidence.
EXAMPLE
Als Grund für seine Verspätung führte er den Stau auf der Autobahn an.
As the reason for his lateness, he cited the traffic jam on the highway.
anführen
to trick
Colloquial for deceiving, tricking, or making a fool of someone.
EXAMPLE
Lass dich von ihm nicht anführen, er erzählt nur Unsinn.
Don't let him trick you; he's only talking nonsense.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anführen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' goes to the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der General führt seine Truppen an.
The general leads his troops.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the object: if it refers to a group, 'leiten' (to lead) is meant. If it is a reason or example, it means 'nennen' (to name/cite). If the object is a person, it is usually about 'täuschen' (to deceive).
EXAMPLE
Sie führt die Protestbewegung an. (leiten)
She leads the protest movement. (to lead)
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'leiten' (to lead), 'anführen' is often connected with lists, groups, or competitions: 'die Tabelle anführen' (to lead the table/standings), 'die Bestsellerliste anführen' (to top the bestseller list), or 'einen Protestzug anführen' (to lead a protest march).
EXAMPLE
Der Sportler führt das Feld mit großem Abstand an.
The athlete leads the field by a large margin.
Typical collocations
When 'anführen' means 'nennen' (to name/cite), the objects are often abstract nouns such as 'Gründe' (reasons), 'Argumente' (arguments), 'Beweise' (evidence), or 'Beispiele' (examples).
EXAMPLE
Vor Gericht konnte er keine überzeugenden Argumente anführen.
In court, he could not cite any convincing arguments.
Register and style
The meaning 'jemanden täuschen' (to deceive someone) is colloquial. It is mainly used in spoken language and in informal situations.
EXAMPLE
Ich glaube, er hat dich mit seiner Geschichte nur angeführt.
I think he only tricked you with his story.
Compare with
anführen vs führen
to lead
Both words can express being at the top of a table or ranking. „Anführen“ typically takes the table or list as its object, while „führen“ is often used with a points or goal difference. Use „anführen“ for the table itself and „führen“ for the lead.
anführen
Nach fünf Spieltagen führt der Verein die Tabelle an.
After five matchdays, the club is top of the table.
führen
Nach fünf Spieltagen führt der Verein mit drei Punkten Vorsprung.
After five matchdays, the club is three points clear at the top.
In real life
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