German word

anbauen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanˌbaʊ̯ən/

Meaning

  • verbgrow

Example

Im Garten bauen meine Eltern Tomaten an.

My parents are growing tomatoes in the garden.

Illustration for anbauen (grow)

More examples

Wenn das Klima günstig ist, kann man auf dem Balkon Kräuter anbauen.

If the climate is favorable, you can grow herbs on the balcony.

Core concept

A crop grows on cultivated land, or a new structure is attached to an existing building.

Common phrases

  • auf dem Balkon anbauen

    grow on the balcony

  • selbst anbauen

    grow your own

  • biologisch anbauen

    grow organically

Similar words

bauen: Construct a new building or other structure.
pflanzen: Place seeds or seedlings in soil for them to grow.
anpflanzen: Plant a group of crops or trees in a specific place.
ausbauen: Extend a building or facility to increase its size or capabilities.

Definition in German

Etwas auf einem Stück Land kultivieren; auch: etwas an etwas Vorhandenes anbauen

Word origin

Anbauen combines an- ('onto' or 'at') with bauen, a Germanic verb historically associated with dwelling, cultivation, and building.

Usage tips

  • Anbauen is separable, so the prefix moves to the end in a main clause, as in 'Meine Eltern bauen Tomaten an.'

Other meanings

  • farmverb
  • build an extensionverb

Opposites

  • verwilderngrow wildverb

Related words

  • Anbaucultivationnoun
  • Anbaugebietcultivation areanoun

Word lists with this word