01
herrichten
to prepare
To prepare something for a specific purpose, put it in order, or repair it.
example
Wir müssen das Gästezimmer für unseren Besuch noch herrichten.
We still have to prepare the guest room for our visitors.
herrichten
to prepare / to get ready
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Herrichten' (to prepare/to get ready) is a separable verb. The prefix 'her-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu' (to), the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Sie richtet die Wohnung für die Feier her.
She prepares the apartment for the celebration.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If it is about a thing (e.g., a room), it means 'vorbereiten' (to prepare). If it is reflexive ('sich herrichten'), it means 'to get ready/dress up'. If a person is the object, it is usually about criticism.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Tisch für das Abendessen herrichten?
Could you please prepare the table for dinner?
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'vorbereiten' (to prepare), 'herrichten' is often used for rooms, meals, or places. Typical objects are 'das Zimmer' (the room), 'das Essen' (the food/meal), 'den Garten' (the garden), or 'die Wohnung' (the apartment).
EXAMPLE
Für die Geburtstagsfeier haben wir das ganze Wohnzimmer hergerichtet.
For the birthday party, we prepared the entire living room.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich herrichten' (to get ready) always means that a person takes care of their appearance and prepares for an occasion. The reflexive pronoun changes according to the person (ich richte mich her, du richtest dich her).
EXAMPLE
Warum hast du dich so schick hergerichtet? Gehst du aus?
Why did you get so dressed up? Are you going out?
Fixed expression
In the meaning 'kritisieren' (to criticize), the verb is often intensified by an adverb like 'übel' (badly/harshly), 'schlimm' (terribly), or 'ordentlich' (properly/really). The phrase 'jemanden übel herrichten' (to really tear into someone) is very common.
EXAMPLE
Die Presse hat den Politiker nach seiner Rede übel hergerichtet.
The press tore into the politician after his speech.
Compare with
herrichten vs vorbereiten
to prepare
'vorbereiten' and 'herrichten' can both mean getting something ready for later. However, 'vorbereiten' is more general: you can plan and organize an appointment, a conversation, a trip, or materials. 'herrichten' sounds more concrete and often means putting a room, a table, or an object in order, making it look nice, or making it ready for use. When it is about planning, 'vorbereiten' fits better. When you are practically getting something ready, 'herrichten' sounds more natural.
herrichten
Vor der Feier richtet meine Schwester das Wohnzimmer für die Gäste her.
Before the party, my sister gets the living room ready for the guests.
vorbereiten
Sie bereitet die Unterlagen für das Gespräch am Nachmittag vor.
She is preparing the documents for the conversation in the afternoon.
In real life
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