01
anrühren
to mix
To mix a powder, paste, or concentrate with a liquid in order to produce a usable mixture.
example
Ich muss noch schnell den Zement für die Reparatur anrühren.
I still have to quickly mix the cement for the repair.
anrühren
to mix / to touch
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anrühren' (to mix/to move/to touch) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'an-' moves to the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er rührt den Beton mit Wasser an.
He mixes the concrete with water.
Context clue
The three meanings can be recognized well from the object. If it is about powder and liquid, 'mischen' (to mix) is meant. If the object is a person and the context is emotional, it is about feelings. If it is a prohibition, 'berühren' (to touch) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Für den Kuchen rühre ich das Puddingpulver mit Milch an.
For the cake, I mix the pudding powder with milk.
Typical collocations
In the kitchen or in DIY work, 'anrühren' (to mix) is often used with powders that are mixed with a liquid. Typical examples are: 'eine Soße anrühren' (to mix a sauce), 'einen Teig anrühren' (to mix a batter/dough), 'Gips anrühren' (to mix plaster), or 'Zement anrühren' (to mix cement).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte schon mal das Salatdressing anrühren?
Could you please go ahead and mix the salad dressing?
Register and style
The emotional meaning of 'anrühren' (to move/touch emotionally) belongs more to elevated or literary language. It sounds more poetic and formal.
EXAMPLE
Das Gedicht war so schön, es hat mich sehr angerührt.
The poem was so beautiful; it moved me deeply.
Frequent usage
In the meaning 'physically touch', 'anrühren' (to touch) is very often used in prohibitions and warnings in the imperative or with 'dürfen nicht' (must not / may not).
EXAMPLE
Warnung! Elektrischer Zaun. Nicht anrühren!
Warning! Electric fence. Do not touch!
Compare with
anrühren vs bewegen
to move
'bewegen' and 'anrühren' can both mean that something triggers feelings in a person. 'bewegen' is more general: a message, a film, or a speech can strongly affect or touch someone inwardly. 'anrühren' sounds more delicate and often a bit more personal. It fits especially with pity, sadness, or being emotionally moved. The words can be confused because both refer to an emotional effect. If the effect is generally strong, 'bewegen' fits. If something gently touches the heart, 'anrühren' sounds more natural.
anrühren
Der Brief der alten Nachbarin rührte Frau Wolf tief an.
The letter from the elderly neighbor deeply moved Mrs. Wolf.
bewegen
Der Bericht über die Familie hat mich sehr bewegt.
The report about the family moved me deeply.
In real life
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