anlehnen
to lean
To place or position something or oneself at an angle against a vertical surface for support.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst dein Fahrrad an die Hauswand anlehnen.
You can lean your bicycle against the wall of the house.
anlehnen
to lean / be based on
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Meanings
sich anlehnen an
to be based on
To use a model or template as a guide when creating something; to be based on something.
EXAMPLE
Der Film lehnt sich in seiner Handlung eng an den Bestseller-Roman an.
The film's plot is closely based on the bestselling novel.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anlehnen' (to lean) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er lehnte sein Fahrrad an den Zaun an.
He leaned his bicycle against the fence.
Context clue
The meaning can be recognized from the object. If it is about concrete, physical things (person, bicycle), the literal meaning is intended. With abstract things (film, theory, novel), the figurative meaning 'to be based on' is intended.
EXAMPLE
Bitte lehne die nasse Jacke nicht an die Tür an.
Please don't lean the wet jacket against the door.
Preposition 'an'
In the literal meaning, the target that something is leaned against is always indicated with the preposition 'an' and the accusative. The verb can also be used reflexively ('sich anlehnen' — to lean oneself/lean back).
EXAMPLE
Er lehnte sich erschöpft an die Wand.
He leaned exhausted against the wall.
Using as a model
In the figurative meaning, the verb is always used reflexively and with the fixed preposition 'an' (+ accusative): 'sich an etwas anlehnen' (to be based on something). It means that something serves as a model or basis.
EXAMPLE
Das Design des neuen Autos lehnt sich stark an klassische Sportwagen an.
The design of the new car is strongly based on classic sports cars.
Compare with
anlehnen vs basieren
to be based
Basieren auf generally names the basis of a concept. Sich anlehnen an also means that something is based on a model, but it suggests a deliberate and recognizable orientation toward that model's design. Basieren is therefore usually suitable for data or findings, while anlehnen is more appropriate for an adopted model.
anlehnen
Das neue Kurskonzept lehnt sich an das bewährte Modell der Nachbarschule an.
The new course concept is modeled on the tried-and-tested approach used by the neighboring school.
basieren
Das neue Kurskonzept basiert auf den Ergebnissen der Teilnehmerbefragung.
The new course concept is based on the results of the participant survey.
In real life
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