German Conversation · Level 40
73 words
German word
anmachen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈanmaxən/
Meaning
- verbturn on
Example
Mach das Licht an.
Turn on the light.
More examples
Er will sie im Club anmachen.
He wants to hit on her at the club.
Core concept
Something is actively brought into effect: a switch starts a device, attention turns toward a person, or seasoning completes a dish.
Common phrases
die Lampe anmachen
turn on the lamp
jemanden anmachen
hit on someone
den Herd anmachen
turn on the stove
Similar words
anschalten: To switch on a device or electrical power with a button or switch.
einschalten: To activate a device or light by operating its switch.
aufdrehen: To increase sound or water flow by turning a knob or tap.
anstellen: To switch on a machine or appliance and start it running.
Definition in German
Etwas einschalten; umgangssprachlich jemanden anmachen = flirten, im Kochen Salat anmachen = würzen.
Word origin
Anmachen is formed from the separable elements an- and machen, and its meanings range from activating something to directing an action at a person or adding dressing to food.
Usage tips
- In cooking, anmachen commonly means dressing or seasoning a salad, while würzen more generally means to season food.