01
anstehen
to queue
To wait in a line or queue in order to get one's turn.
example
Wir mussten eine halbe Stunde an der Kasse anstehen.
We had to queue at the checkout for half an hour.
anstehen
to queue / be coming up
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anstehen' (to queue / be coming up) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an' comes at the end in main clauses; in subordinate clauses the verb stays together, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between 'an' and 'stehen'.
EXAMPLE
Welche Aufgaben stehen heute an?
Which tasks are coming up today?
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the subject: if a person 'ansteht' (queues), they are waiting in a line. If a thing or event (e.g., 'Prüfung' (exam), 'Fest' (celebration)) 'ansteht' (is coming up), it is planned as the next thing.
EXAMPLE
Viele Leute stehen für die neuen Konzertkarten an.
Many people are queuing for the new concert tickets.
Typical collocations
When you are waiting in a line, 'anstehen' (to queue) is often combined with an indication of place that begins with 'an' or 'vor'. Typical phrases are 'an der Kasse anstehen' (to queue at the checkout), 'am Schalter anstehen' (to queue at the counter), or 'vor dem Kino anstehen' (to queue in front of the cinema).
EXAMPLE
Ich musste zwanzig Minuten am Postschalter anstehen.
I had to queue at the post office counter for twenty minutes.
Typical events
In the meaning 'bevorstehen' (to be imminent), the verb is often used with abstract nouns for events or tasks. Common combinations are 'eine Prüfung steht an' (an exam is coming up), 'eine Entscheidung steht an' (a decision is coming up), or 'eine Reise steht an' (a trip is coming up).
EXAMPLE
Bald steht die wichtige Konferenz mit unseren Partnern an.
The important conference with our partners is coming up soon.
Fixed construction
In the meaning 'zögern' (to hesitate), 'anstehen' is almost always negated and used with an infinitive construction: 'nicht anstehen, etwas zu tun' (not to hesitate to do something).
EXAMPLE
Der Chef stand nicht an, den Fehler direkt anzusprechen.
The boss did not hesitate to address the mistake directly.
Outdated use
The meaning 'jemandem gut stehen' (to suit someone well, referring to clothing) is very rare today and sounds old-fashioned. It is found mainly in older literature.
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Roman stand der Heldin ihr Ballkleid wunderbar an.
In the old novel, the heroine's ball gown suited her wonderfully.
Compare with
anstehen vs stehen
to stand
'stehen' and 'anstehen' can both mean that a person is on their feet and not sitting. The important difference is the reason: 'stehen' only describes the posture or the location. 'anstehen' is used when you are waiting in a line, for example at the checkout or in front of a counter. Learners may confuse the words because when you are 'anstehen', you are usually standing. But not every instance of standing is 'anstehen'. Remember: someone who is 'ansteht' is waiting for their turn.
anstehen
Vor der Bäckerei stehen am Morgen viele Kunden an.
In the morning, many customers queue in front of the bakery.
stehen
Im Bus steht Anna neben der Tür, weil kein Platz mehr frei ist.
On the bus, Anna is standing next to the door because there are no seats left.
In real life
Loading video examples...