01
anzünden
to light
To set something on fire or make it burn.
example
Er zündete die Kerzen auf dem Geburtstagskuchen an.
He lit the candles on the birthday cake.
anzünden
to light / ignite
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anzünden' (to light / ignite) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich zünde den Kamin an.
I light the fireplace.
Reflexive use
When you light something for yourself, the reflexive dative construction 'sich etwas anzünden' (to light something for oneself) is often used. The object is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er zündete sich eine Zigarette an.
He lit himself a cigarette.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'anzünden' (to light) is often combined with things that can burn. Typical examples are: eine Kerze anzünden (to light a candle), ein Feuer anzünden (to light a fire), ein Streichholz anzünden (to light a match), or den Kamin anzünden (to light the fireplace).
EXAMPLE
Zum Advent zünden wir jeden Sonntag eine weitere Kerze an.
During Advent, we light one more candle every Sunday.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that the object is an abstract noun. Common combinations are 'einen Streit anzünden' (to ignite an argument), 'eine Diskussion anzünden' (to ignite a discussion), or 'eine Debatte anzünden' (to ignite a debate).
EXAMPLE
Seine provokante Frage hat im Team einen heftigen Streit angezündet.
His provocative question ignited a heated argument in the team.
Compare with
anzünden vs löschen
to extinguish / delete
'löschen' and 'anzünden' are opposites when it comes to fire. With 'anzünden', you make something burn, for example a candle, a fire, or paper. With 'löschen', you make sure it is no longer burning. The difference is clear: 'anzünden' starts the fire, 'löschen' ends it.
anzünden
Im Garten zünden wir am Abend eine Kerze an.
In the garden, we light a candle in the evening.
löschen
Sie löscht das Lagerfeuer, bevor alle nach Hause gehen.
She puts out the campfire before everyone goes home.
In real life
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