01
anreden
to speak to
To begin a conversation with a person; to speak to someone.
example
Ein Fremder hat mich auf der Straße angeredet und nach dem Weg gefragt.
A stranger spoke to me on the street and asked for directions.
anreden
to speak to / to address
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anreden' (to speak to / to address) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er redet die Professorin immer sehr höflich an.
He always addresses the professor very politely.
Use with the accusative
The verb 'anreden' (to speak to / to address) always needs a direct object in the accusative. You ask: Wen oder was redest du an? (Whom or what are you speaking to/addressing?)
EXAMPLE
Der Verkäufer hat mich sofort angeredet, als ich den Laden betrat.
The salesperson spoke to me immediately when I entered the store.
Sentence structure for forms of address
When you name the form of address, e.g. 'du' or 'Sie', use the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative. The pattern is: jemanden (accusative) mit etwas (dative) anreden.
EXAMPLE
In unserer Firma reden wir alle Kollegen mit dem Vornamen an.
In our company, we address all colleagues by their first names.
Compare with
anreden vs nennen
to call / name
'nennen' and 'anreden' can both have to do with names or labels for people. 'nennen' is used when you say what name or label someone or something has. You can also call someone 'freundlich' (friendly), 'Chef' (boss), or by a nickname. 'anreden' is used when you speak directly to a person or use a particular form such as 'du', 'Sie', 'Herr', or 'Frau'. Learners often confuse the words in questions like 'Wie soll ich dich nennen?' (What should I call you?) and 'Wie soll ich dich anreden?' (How should I address you?). 'Nennen' asks more about the name or label; 'anreden' asks about the form used in direct conversation.
anreden
Im Bewerbungsgespräch hat Tom die Chefin mit „Frau Becker“ angeredet.
In the job interview, Tom addressed the boss as "Frau Becker".
nennen
Meine Freunde nennen mich oft Leni.
My friends often call me Leni.
In real life
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