to accumulate
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to accumulate
To deliberately collect a large amount of something over a longer period of time. This can refer to material things or to abstract things such as debt, knowledge, or wealth.
Im Laufe der Jahre hat er ein beachtliches Vermögen angehäuft.
Over the years, he accumulated a considerable fortune.
'Anhäufen' (to accumulate / to pile up) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' stands at the end in a main clause, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between the prefix and the verb.
Über die Zeit häufte er eine große Sammlung an.
Over time, he accumulated a large collection.
The use of 'anhäufen' (to accumulate / to pile up) differs strongly: The active form ('etwas anhäufen' (to accumulate something)) describes a deliberate action by a person. The reflexive form ('etwas häuft sich an' (something piles up)) describes a process that often happens passively or by itself.
Der Sammler hat bewusst seltene Briefmarken angehäuft.
The collector deliberately accumulated rare stamps.
When a person actively accumulates something, it is often abstract things. Typical combinations are 'Wissen anhäufen' (to accumulate knowledge), 'Erfahrung anhäufen' (to accumulate experience), or 'Schulden anhäufen' (to accumulate debt).
Durch die vielen Kredite hat das Unternehmen enorme Schulden angehäuft.
Because of the many loans, the company accumulated enormous debts.
When something accumulates by itself, it is often unfinished or unpleasant things. Common examples are 'Arbeit häuft sich an' (work piles up), 'das Geschirr häuft sich an' (the dishes pile up), or 'die Rechnungen häufen sich an' (the bills pile up).
Wenn man nicht regelmäßig spült, häuft sich schnell das schmutzige Geschirr an.
If you don't wash up regularly, the dirty dishes quickly pile up.
to collect / gather
'sammeln' and 'anhäufen' can both mean that more of something builds up over time. 'sammeln' usually sounds deliberate and neutral: you gather things, information, or experiences. 'anhäufen' emphasizes the large amount and often sounds heavier or more negative, for example with debts, work, or problems. It can be active, but also reflexive: 'Die Arbeit häuft sich an.' (The work is piling up.) The words can be confused because both show an increase in quantity. If the goal or hobby is important, 'sammeln' fits better; if the amount is becoming large and perhaps turning into a problem, 'anhäufen' fits better.
Vor dem Urlaub häufen sich bei mir die Termine an.
Before my vacation, appointments start piling up for me.
Zum Planen der Reise sammelt Max Tipps von Freunden.
To plan the trip, Max gathers tips from friends.