anwenden
to apply / use
To use something learned or a rule in a practical situation; to put something into use.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Fall müssen wir eine andere Methode anwenden.
In this case, we have to apply a different method.
anwenden
to apply / use
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Meanings
anwenden
to use
To use physical force or coercion against someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei darf nur in Notwehr Gewalt anwenden.
The police may only use force in self-defense.
sich anwenden an
to turn to
To address oneself, usually in writing or formally, to a person or institution in order to obtain information or help. A more formal variant of 'sich wenden an' (to turn to/contact).
EXAMPLE
Bei technischen Problemen wenden Sie sich bitte an den Support.
For technical problems, please contact support.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anwenden' (to apply/use) 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 Arzt wendet eine neue Behandlungsmethode an.
The doctor applies a new treatment method.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'an' and the verb 'wenden' (to turn, direct). Figuratively, 'anwenden' (to apply/use) therefore means to 'turn' a method or knowledge 'toward' a specific situation or direct it at that situation.
EXAMPLE
Man muss die Theorie auf die Praxis anwenden können.
You have to be able to apply theory to practice.
Typical collocations
This meaning is often used with abstract concepts. Typical objects are: 'eine Regel anwenden' (to apply a rule), 'ein Gesetz anwenden' (to apply a law), 'Wissen anwenden' (to apply knowledge), 'eine Technik anwenden' (to use a technique), or 'eine Methode anwenden' (to apply/use a method).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ihr Wissen aus dem Studium im neuen Job angewendet.
She applied her knowledge from her studies in her new job.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'anwenden' (to use/apply) is almost always combined with words that describe a form of coercion or force. Common combinations are: 'Gewalt anwenden' (to use force/violence), 'Druck anwenden' (to apply pressure), or 'Zwang anwenden' (to use coercion).
EXAMPLE
Der Täter hat körperliche Gewalt angewendet.
The perpetrator used physical force.
Reflexive construction
This meaning is always used reflexively and with the preposition 'an' + accusative. The structure is: 'sich an jemanden/etwas anwenden' (to turn to someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Für weitere Informationen können Sie sich an die Personalabteilung anwenden.
For more information, you can contact the HR department.
Compare with
anwenden vs nutzen
to use / benefit
For a method or rule, nutzen and anwenden are both understandable and partly interchangeable. Anwenden more strongly emphasizes putting something learned or a rule into practice, while nutzen describes purposeful use more generally. Choose „anwenden“ especially for carrying something out in a specific practical situation.
anwenden
Er wendet die neue Lernmethode jeden Abend bei seinen Übungen an.
He applies the new learning method to his exercises every evening.
nutzen
Er nutzt die neue Lernmethode, um sich besser auf die Prüfung vorzubereiten.
He uses the new learning method to prepare better for the exam.
In real life
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