01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
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
'führen' and 'anführen' can both express that someone is at the front or leads a group. 'führen' is more general: you can run a company, lead a team, or be leading in a game. 'anführen' emphasizes the top or front position more strongly: someone is in first place in a group, movement, or list. That is why you also say that someone 'eine Liste anführt' (tops a list). The words can be confused because both have to do with leadership. When it is about general leading and organizing, 'führen' fits better. When someone is right at the front or appears as the head of a group, 'anführen' is more precise.
anführen
Nico führt die Liste der besten Teilnehmer im Kurs an.
Nico tops the list of the best participants in the course.
führen
Tara führt das Projekt und verteilt die Aufgaben im Team.
Tara leads the project and assigns the tasks within the team.
In real life
Loading video examples...