to seem
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to seem
To appear in a certain way or create a certain impression. Often used together with an adjective and has a slightly elevated or literary connotation.
Die verlassene Fabrikhalle mutete bei Nacht unheimlich an.
The abandoned factory hall seemed eerie at night.
to expect of someone
An outdated meaning of 'jemandem etwas zumuten' (to expect something of someone / to subject someone to something) or 'von jemandem etwas verlangen' (to demand something from someone).
Man konnte dem alten Mann nicht anmuten, die schwere Reise allein anzutreten.
One could not expect the old man to undertake the difficult journey alone.
'Anmuten' (to seem) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die leere Straße mutete gespenstisch an.
The empty street seemed ghostly.
In its modern meaning, 'anmuten' (to seem) is almost always combined with an adjective. It describes the impression that something makes, following the pattern: Etwas mutet [adjective] an.
Seine Reaktion mutete seltsam an.
His reaction seemed strange.
This verb belongs to elevated language and is used mainly in written texts, literature, or formal descriptions. In normal everyday conversation, it is rather rare.
Die ganze Szenerie mutete wie ein Gemälde an.
The whole scene seemed like a painting.
to shine / seem
Both words can express the impression something makes. “Scheinen” tends to leave open whether the suspected quality really applies, while “anmuten” describes the impression created and sounds somewhat more elevated. In everyday situations, “scheinen” is usually the more natural choice.
Das alte Haus mutet verlassen an.
The old house has an abandoned feel.
Das alte Haus scheint leer zu sein.
The old house seems to be empty.
