01
anheuern
to hire on
To hire or engage someone to work on a ship.
example
Der Kapitän heuerte in Hamburg neue Matrosen für die Überfahrt an.
The captain hired on new sailors in Hamburg for the crossing.
anheuern
to hire
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anheuern' (to hire) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'an-' stands at the end; in a subordinate clause, it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Das Filmstudio heuerte einen berühmten Regisseur für das Projekt an.
The film studio hired a famous director for the project.
Context clue
The meaning depends heavily on the context. In connection with ships, seafaring, and sailors, the original, literal meaning is intended. In all other contexts, it is used informally for 'einstellen' (to hire) or 'beauftragen' (to commission).
EXAMPLE
Für die lange Seereise musste eine komplett neue Mannschaft angeheuert werden.
A completely new crew had to be hired on for the long sea voyage.
Typical collocations
In the original seafaring meaning, 'anheuern' (to hire on) is typically used with people or groups who work on a ship: 'Matrosen anheuern' (to hire on sailors), 'eine Mannschaft anheuern' (to hire on a crew), 'Personal anheuern' (to hire on staff).
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän konnte im Hafen schnell zwei neue Seeleute anheuern.
The captain was able to quickly hire on two new sailors in the harbor.
Register: Informal
The general meaning 'jemanden einstellen' (to hire someone) is informal. In formal or business texts, you would more likely find words such as 'einstellen' (to hire), 'beauftragen' (to commission), or 'engagieren' (to engage/hire).
EXAMPLE
Für den Umzug haben wir ein paar starke Helfer angeheuert.
We hired a few strong helpers for the move.
Compare with
anheuern vs beschäftigen
to occupy / employ
'beschäftigen' and 'anheuern' can both mean that someone is taken on for work. 'beschäftigen' is the neutral word for an employment relationship in companies, clubs, or other organizations. 'anheuern' originally comes from work on a ship and fits especially well there. Informally, it can also mean bringing someone in for a specific task or job. 'anheuern' often sounds less official than 'beschäftigen' and emphasizes more the idea of recruiting someone for a task.
anheuern
Für die lange Fahrt heuert der Kapitän zwei neue Matrosen an.
For the long voyage, the captain hires on two new sailors.
beschäftigen
Die Reederei beschäftigt viele erfahrene Techniker.
The shipping company employs many experienced technicians.
In real life
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