sich ansammeln
to accumulate
Something increases on its own over time or piles up in one place.
EXAMPLE
In der Dachrinne hat sich viel Laub angesammelt.
A lot of leaves have accumulated in the gutter.
ansammeln
to accumulate / collect
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Meanings
ansammeln
to collect
To gather or collect something deliberately over a longer period of time.
EXAMPLE
Er hat im Laufe der Jahre eine beeindruckende Münzsammlung angesammelt.
Over the years, he has collected an impressive coin collection.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ansammeln' (to accumulate / collect) is a separable verb with the prefix 'an-'. In a main clause, 'an' stands at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Über die Jahre sammelte er ein großes Vermögen an.
Over the years, he accumulated a large fortune.
Reflexive vs. accusative
The use of 'ansammeln' shows whether something happens actively or passively. 'Sich ansammeln' (to accumulate, reflexive) means that something piles up on its own. 'Etwas ansammeln' (to collect something, with an accusative object) means that a person actively gathers something.
EXAMPLE
In der Ecke hat sich Staub angesammelt.
Dust has accumulated in the corner.
Typical collocations
When something accumulates on its own, it is often something unwanted. Typical examples are: Staub sammelt sich an (dust accumulates), Schmutz sammelt sich an (dirt accumulates), or Schulden sammeln sich an (debts accumulate).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Regen hat sich Wasser im Keller angesammelt.
After the rain, water accumulated in the basement.
Compare with
ansammeln vs sammeln
to collect / gather
Sammeln and ansammeln can both describe a collection that builds up over a longer period. Sammeln emphasizes the conscious, deliberate activity, while ansammeln also highlights the growing quantity and can sometimes refer to unintended accumulation. For a planned collection, sammeln is the better choice; for an accumulating stock, ansammeln is better.
ansammeln
Auf dem Schreibtisch sammeln sich seit Tagen immer mehr Papiere an.
More and more papers have been piling up on the desk for days.
sammeln
Mira sammelt seit Jahren alte Postkarten aus verschiedenen Ländern.
Mira has been collecting old postcards from different countries for years.
In real life
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