German word

stiften

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtɪftn̩/

Meaning

  • verbdonate

Example

Sie hat dem Museum ein Gemälde gestiftet.

She donated a painting to the museum.

Illustration for stiften (donate)

More examples

Ihr kurzer Kommentar stiftete sofort Unruhe.

Her brief comment immediately caused unrest.

Core concept

Something valuable or consequential is set in place so that an institution, project, or situation takes shape.

Common phrases

  • Unruhe stiften

    cause unrest

  • Geld stiften

    donate money

Similar words

spenden: To donate money or goods to charity or for the public good.
schenken: To give something freely to another person as a gift.
übergeben: To transfer an object or right to another person or authority.
gründen: To set up an organization or foundation and establish its basis for operation.

Definition in German

jemandem oder einer Einrichtung Vermögen oder Sachen zuwenden, oft mit dem Zweck, etwas zu gründen oder dauerhaft zu unterstützen

Word origin

Middle High German stiften developed from Old High German stiftan, meaning to establish or set up, and this foundational sense led to meanings involving donations and resulting effects.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English donate, stiften also appears in combinations such as Frieden stiften and Unruhe stiften, meaning to bring about peace or unrest.

Other meanings

  • causeverb
  • foundverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word