to donate / to cause
Loading your saved state.
to donate / endow
To provide or establish something (often money, a prize, or an institution) for a charitable, cultural, or social purpose.
Der Unternehmer stiftete eine große Summe für den Bau der neuen Bibliothek.
The entrepreneur donated a large sum for the construction of the new library.
to cause
To cause or bring about something negative, such as unrest, confusion, or conflict.
Seine unklaren Aussagen stifteten nur Verwirrung.
His unclear statements only caused confusion.
to make peace
To ensure that an argument or conflict between people or groups is ended.
Sie versuchte, zwischen ihren streitenden Freunden Frieden zu stiften.
She tried to make peace between her arguing friends.
The meaning of 'stiften' (to donate/to cause) depends strongly on the object. If it is something positive and valuable (money, a prize), it means 'to donate'. If it is something negative (unrest, confusion), it means 'to cause'.
Ein anonymer Spender stiftete 10.000 Euro für das Projekt.
An anonymous donor donated 10,000 euros for the project.
The verb 'stiften' (to donate/to cause) is closely related to the noun 'die Stiftung' (foundation). A foundation is an organization that was often established through a large donation (eine Stiftung) in order to support a good cause.
Er möchte eine Stiftung zur Förderung junger Künstler gründen.
He wants to establish a foundation to support young artists.
In its negative meaning, 'stiften' (to cause) is used almost only with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'Unruhe stiften' (to cause unrest), 'Verwirrung stiften' (to cause confusion), or 'Unheil stiften' (to cause harm/mischief).
Seine widersprüchlichen Anweisungen stifteten große Verwirrung im Team.
His contradictory instructions caused great confusion in the team.
The combination 'Frieden stiften' (to make peace) is a fixed expression. It means actively ending an argument or conflict and creating harmony.
Der Mediator half den beiden Parteien, Frieden zu stiften.
The mediator helped the two parties make peace.
to found / be based on
„Gründen“ generally means creating a new organization or institution. „Stiften“ can also refer to founding something, but emphasizes a charitable, cultural, or social purpose. Therefore, „gründen“ is used for a general new foundation, while „stiften“ is more appropriate for an institution established to provide support.
Die Unternehmerin stiftete eine Einrichtung zur Förderung bedürftiger Kinder.
The entrepreneur established an institution to support children in need.
Die Unternehmerin gründete eine neue Firma für Bürobedarf.
The entrepreneur founded a new company for office supplies.
