01
ansetzen
to apply / place
To bring something to a specific spot and place it there, often as the beginning of an action.
example
Der Chirurg setzte das Skalpell präzise an.
The surgeon applied the scalpel precisely.
ansetzen
to apply / schedule
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ansetzen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Handwerker setzt die Säge vorsichtig an.
The craftsman carefully applies the saw.
Meaning of the prefix
The prefix 'an-' often suggests the beginning of an action or contact with a surface. This basic idea appears in many meanings, e.g. placing a tool against something or when rust begins to develop.
EXAMPLE
Er setzte das Glas an die Lippen und trank.
He put the glass to his lips and drank.
Sentence structure with appointments
When an appointment or date is being planned, 'ansetzen' (to schedule) often appears in the passive. The preposition 'für' (for) or 'auf' (for/at) introduces the time expression.
EXAMPLE
Die nächste Besprechung ist für Freitag angesetzt.
The next meeting is scheduled for Friday.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'sich ansammeln' (to accumulate), the verb is often combined with unwanted things. Typical examples are 'Rost ansetzen' (to develop rust), 'Staub ansetzen' (to gather dust), or 'Schimmel ansetzen' (to develop mold).
EXAMPLE
Die Kaffeemaschine hat Kalk angesetzt und muss gereinigt werden.
The coffee machine has developed limescale and needs to be cleaned.
Context: planning & finance
In this meaning, 'ansetzen' (to estimate/budget) is used in the context of planning and finances. You can say 'Kosten ansetzen' (to budget costs), 'einen Betrag ansetzen' (to set an amount), or also 'einen Zeitraum für ein Projekt ansetzen' (to allocate a period of time for a project).
EXAMPLE
Für die Reparatur des Daches haben wir 5.000 Euro angesetzt.
We budgeted 5,000 euros for repairing the roof.
Context: cooking
This meaning belongs to the area of cooking and preparation. For example, you can say 'einen Teig ansetzen' (to prepare/start a dough), 'eine Soße ansetzen' (to prepare/start a sauce), or 'Likör ansetzen' (to make liqueur).
EXAMPLE
Für das Brot müssen Sie den Teig am Abend vorher ansetzen.
For the bread, you need to prepare the dough the evening before.
Compare with
ansetzen vs anbringen
to attach / bring up
'anbringen' and 'ansetzen' can both mean that something is put in a certain place. 'anbringen' is used when something is attached or mounted there, for example a sign or a shelf. 'ansetzen' more often means that you place or position something at a spot, often only as the start of an action. Learners may confuse the words because both begin with 'an' and express movement toward a place. Remember: if it is fixed in place afterward, 'anbringen' usually fits; if you are only placing something against something or positioning it to start an action, 'ansetzen' is more likely to fit.
ansetzen
Die Ärztin setzt das Gerät vorsichtig am Arm des Patienten an.
The doctor carefully applies the device to the patient's arm.
anbringen
Mein Bruder bringt heute ein neues Regal an der Wand an.
My brother is attaching a new shelf to the wall today.
In real life
Loading video examples...