Giving a particular impression; seeming or appearing in a certain way. It is often combined with an adverb to describe the type of impression (e.g., seltsam anmutend (strange-seeming), modern anmutend (modern-looking)).
example
Das alte Schloss wirkte bei Nebel fast schon gespenstisch anmutend.
In the fog, the old castle seemed almost ghostly.
Usage tips
Word family
'Anmutend' is the present participle of the verb 'anmuten'. The verb means 'to give a particular impression' or 'to seem like.'
EXAMPLE
Seine Reaktion mutete mich seltsam an.
His reaction struck me as strange.
Sentence structure and usage
The word is almost always combined with an adverb that describes the type of impression (e.g., 'modern anmutend' (modern-looking)). This combination functions like a single adjective in the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Sie trug ein elegant anmutendes Kleid.
She wore an elegant-looking dress.
Typical collocations
Common adverbs combined with 'anmutend' are 'seltsam' (strange), 'modern' (modern), 'altmodisch' (old-fashioned), 'exotisch' (exotic), 'fremdartig' (foreign/alien), or 'gespenstisch' (ghostly).
EXAMPLE
Die Ruine hatte eine fast schon romantisch anmutende Atmosphäre.
The ruin had an almost romantic-seeming atmosphere.
Register and style
'Anmutend' belongs more to written language or an elevated, descriptive style. It is used less often in everyday colloquial speech.
EXAMPLE
Die Landschaft war von einer fast unwirklich anmutenden Schönheit.
The landscape had an almost unreal-seeming beauty.
Compare with
confusable
anmutend vs anscheinend
apparently
'anscheinend' and 'anmutend' both have to do with an impression, but they function very differently. 'anscheinend' is an adverb and says: something is probably the case because it looks that way or because you have certain information. 'anmutend' is an adjective or participle and describes what impression something gives, for example 'modern anmutend' (modern-looking) or 'seltsam anmutend' (strange-seeming). The risk of confusion comes from the fact that both have to do with 'appearing' or 'seeming'. If you want to express an assumption, use 'anscheinend'. If you are describing the effect or style of something, 'anmutend' fits.
anmutend
Das modern anmutende Büro gefällt den Gästen sofort.
The modern-looking office immediately appeals to the guests.
anscheinend
Emma kommt anscheinend am Montag nicht zur Schule.
Emma is apparently not coming to school on Monday.