German Conversation · Level 67
60 words
German word
anhaben
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈanhaːbən/
Meaning
- verbwear
Example
Ich habe heute eine Jacke an.
Today, I'm wearing a jacket.
More examples
Am Morgen hat er seine Mütze an.
In the morning, he is wearing his hat.
Core concept
A person has an item on the body, while a device has its operating state left on.
Common phrases
eine Mütze anhaben
be wearing a hat
eine Sonnenbrille anhaben
be wearing sunglasses
Similar words
tragen: Wear clothing or accessories in an ongoing or customary way.
anziehen: Put on clothing or shoes.
aufhaben: Keep a hat or glasses on the head or face.
aufsetzen: Place a hat or glasses onto the head or face.
Definition in German
Etwas (zumeist Kleidung oder Schmuck) am Körper haben; ausdrücken, dass man es zurzeit trägt.
Word origin
Anhaben is a Germanic compound of an and haben whose literal 'have on' meaning developed into wearing something and having something switched on.
Usage tips
- Anhaben usually describes what is currently being worn, whereas tragen also covers carrying something and can describe a more general or sustained wearing action.