01
anreichern
to enrich
To increase the value, quality, or variety of something by adding substances or elements.
example
Man kann den Salat mit Nüssen und Kernen anreichern.
You can enrich the salad with nuts and seeds.
anreichern
to enrich
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anreichern' (to enrich) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Koch reichert die Soße mit frischen Kräutern an.
The cook enriches the sauce with fresh herbs.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'an-' and the word 'reichern', which comes from 'reich' (rich). So the literal meaning is to make something 'richer' by adding something.
EXAMPLE
Sie reicherte ihre Präsentation mit interessanten Fakten an.
She enriched her presentation with interesting facts.
Sentence structure with preposition
When you add something in order to improve it, the structure is: etwas (accusative) mit etwas (dative) anreichern.
EXAMPLE
Man kann Joghurt mit Früchten anreichern.
You can enrich yogurt with fruit.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'sich ansammeln' (to accumulate), the verb is always used reflexively: 'sich anreichern'. It describes a process that takes place over time. The preposition 'in' (+ dative) is often used to name the place where something accumulates.
EXAMPLE
Das Gift reichert sich im Fettgewebe der Tiere an.
The poison accumulates in the animals’ fatty tissue.
Technical context
The meaning related to isotopes is highly technical. You find it almost exclusively in texts about nuclear physics, chemistry, or weapons technology.
EXAMPLE
In der Anlage wird Uran für die Nutzung in Kraftwerken angereichert.
Uranium is enriched in the facility for use in power plants.
Compare with
anreichern vs ergänzen
to add / supplement
'ergänzen' and 'anreichern' both mean that something is added to something else. 'ergänzen' is used when something is missing, or when you add information so that something becomes more complete. 'anreichern' is more appropriate when something becomes more valuable, more varied, or better through additional substances, elements, or content. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases something is added. As a practical rule: if something is meant to become complete, you are more likely to say 'ergänzen'. If something is meant to gain more quality or variety, you are more likely to say 'anreichern'.
anreichern
Für das Projekt hat Erik den Text mit Bildern und Beispielen angereichert.
For the project, Erik enriched the text with pictures and examples.
ergänzen
Die Lehrerin ergänzt die Erklärung, weil viele noch Fragen haben.
The teacher adds to the explanation because many students still have questions.
In real life
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