01
anrichten
to cause
To cause something negative, such as damage, disaster, or chaos.
example
Der Sturm hat in der ganzen Region großen Schaden angerichtet.
The storm caused major damage throughout the region.
anrichten
to cause / arrange
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anrichten' (to cause/arrange) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Was hat er nur wieder angerichtet?
What has he done again?
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object. If it is something negative and abstract like 'Schaden' (damage) or 'Chaos' (chaos), 'verursachen' (to cause) is meant. If it is food, 'Speisen arrangieren' (to arrange dishes) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Das Hochwasser hat große Verwüstungen angerichtet.
The flood caused great devastation.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'verursachen' (to cause), 'anrichten' (to cause) is almost always used with negative, abstract nouns. Common combinations are: 'Schaden anrichten' (to cause damage), 'Unheil anrichten' (to wreak havoc), 'Chaos anrichten' (to cause chaos), or 'Verwüstung anrichten' (to cause devastation).
EXAMPLE
Der Betrüger hat bei vielen Menschen finanziellen Schaden angerichtet.
The fraudster caused financial damage to many people.
Use in cooking
This meaning belongs in the context of cooking and gastronomy. One can arrange dishes, a salad, a dessert, or simply plates. It is often combined with adverbs like 'schön' (beautifully), 'dekorativ' (decoratively), or 'liebevoll' (with care).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat den Salat sehr dekorativ angerichtet.
She arranged the salad very decoratively.
Compare with
anrichten vs verursachen
to cause
'verursachen' and 'anrichten' can both be used for negative consequences. 'verursachen' is more neutral and fits damage, costs, problems, or accidents. 'anrichten' sounds stronger and often a bit more emotional. It is used especially with damage, chaos, or disaster when something has become visibly bad. 'anrichten' does not fit every kind of cause; it is used more for situations in which someone or something has made a mess or caused major damage.
anrichten
Der Sturm hat im Garten großen Schaden angerichtet.
The storm caused major damage in the garden.
verursachen
Der Kunde verursacht durch die späte Absage zusätzliche Kosten.
The customer is causing additional costs by canceling so late.
In real life
Loading video examples...