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
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Meanings
anrichten
to arrange
To arrange food on a plate or platter in a visually appealing way for serving.
EXAMPLE
Der Koch hat das Dessert kunstvoll auf dem Teller angerichtet.
The chef arranged the dessert artfully on the plate.
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“ is the more general verb for causing something or bringing about a consequence. „Anrichten“, by contrast, is used especially when someone or something causes concrete damage, harm, or chaos. Both are possible with damage, but „anrichten“ places greater emphasis on the negative consequences.
anrichten
Der Sturm richtete in der Gemeinde große Schäden an.
The storm caused extensive damage in the municipality.
verursachen
Der Sturm verursachte hohe Kosten für die Gemeinde.
The storm caused the municipality considerable costs.
In real life
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