entfachen
to kindle
To make a fire start burning; to light something.
EXAMPLE
Mit trockenem Reisig und einem Feuerstein entfachte er ein wärmendes Lagerfeuer.
With dry brushwood and a flint, he kindled a warming campfire.
entfachen
to kindle / ignite
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Meanings
entfachen
to ignite
(figurative) To trigger or intensify a strong feeling, an argument, or a conflict.
EXAMPLE
Die provokante Aussage des Politikers entfachte eine hitzige Debatte im ganzen Land.
The politician's provocative statement ignited a heated debate throughout the country.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Entfachen' (to kindle / ignite) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ent-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms. It often indicates the beginning of a process.
EXAMPLE
Er hat im Garten ein Feuer entfacht.
He kindled a fire in the garden.
Elevated style
The verb 'entfachen' (to kindle / ignite) belongs to a more formal, elevated style. It is often found in written language, for example in news reports, reports, or literature.
EXAMPLE
Die Rede des Präsidenten entfachte landesweite Proteste.
The president's speech ignited nationwide protests.
Typical collocations
In its figurative meaning, 'entfachen' (to ignite) is used very frequently. Typical objects are abstract nouns such as 'eine Debatte' (a debate), 'ein Streit' (an argument), 'eine Diskussion' (a discussion), 'Leidenschaft' (passion), or 'Begeisterung' (enthusiasm).
EXAMPLE
Der neue Film hat eine große Begeisterung für das Thema entfacht.
The new film has ignited great enthusiasm for the topic.
Compare with
entfachen vs auslösen
to trigger / release
Both words can describe the beginning of an argument or a strong emotion. “Auslösen” neutrally identifies the occasion and cause, while “entfachen” places greater emphasis on the intense, spreading effect. Use “auslösen” for a matter-of-fact cause, and “entfachen” for a particularly heated conflict or emotional outburst.
entfachen
Die neue Regel entfachte im Verein einen heftigen Streit.
The new rule ignited a heated argument in the club.
auslösen
Die neue Regel löste im Verein einen Streit aus.
The new rule triggered an argument in the club.
In real life
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