01
animieren zu
to encourage to
To encourage, motivate, or prompt someone to do something specific.
example
Die gute Musik animierte die Gäste zum Tanzen.
The good music encouraged the guests to dance.
animieren
to encourage / animate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Verbs ending in '-ieren'
Like many verbs ending in '-ieren', 'animieren' (to encourage / animate) comes from another language and is conjugated regularly. The past participle is formed without 'ge-': animiert.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Zeichnungen für den Kurzfilm selbst animiert.
He animated the drawings for the short film himself.
Distinguishing meanings
You can tell which meaning is intended from the object and context. If you 'animiert' a person 'zu' something, it means 'to encourage'. If you animate a figure or an image, it is about animation techniques. If you entertain guests, it is about holiday entertainment.
EXAMPLE
Die Werbung soll die Leute zum Kaufen animieren.
The advertisement is meant to encourage people to buy.
Fixed preposition 'zu'
In the meaning 'ermutigen' (to encourage), 'animieren' is almost always used with the preposition 'zu' and the dative. You encourage someone to do an activity or adopt a behavior.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer animierte die Mannschaft zu mehr Einsatz.
The coach encouraged the team to show more commitment.
Context: tourism
The meaning of entertaining guests is typical in the area of tourism and leisure. A person who does this professionally is called an 'Animateur' or 'Animateurin' (entertainer/activity leader).
EXAMPLE
Im Clubhotel werden die Urlauber den ganzen Tag animiert, bei Spielen mitzumachen.
At the club hotel, holidaymakers are encouraged all day long to join in games.
Compare with
animieren vs bewegen
to move
'bewegen' and 'animieren' can both mean that someone comes to do something because of words, reasons, or a situation. 'Jemanden zu etwas bewegen' sounds stronger: a person changes their mind or makes a decision after being influenced from outside. 'animieren' usually sounds friendlier and lighter. It works well when you encourage, motivate, or prompt someone to join in. The words can be confused because both trigger an action. As a simple guide: 'bewegen' fits persuasion or an important decision, while 'animieren' fits motivation and participation.
animieren
Die Trainerin animiert die Kinder, beim Spiel alle mitzumachen.
The trainer encourages the children to all join in the game.
bewegen
Das lange Gespräch bewegte ihn dazu, sich endlich zu entschuldigen.
The long conversation moved him to finally apologize.
In real life
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