German word

verankern

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈaŋkɐn/

Meaning

  • verbanchor

Example

Der Handwerker verankerte das Geländer im Boden.

The craftsman anchored the railing to the floor.

Illustration for verankern (anchor)

More examples

Wir wollen die neuen Regeln im Alltag verankern.

We want to anchor the new rules in everyday life.

Core concept

A fixed anchor keeps something from shifting, whether it is a structure in the ground or a principle in an institution.

Common phrases

  • im Gedächtnis verankern

    anchor in memory

  • im Alltag verankern

    anchor in everyday life

Similar words

festigen: Making a foundation or habit stronger and more stable.
befestigen: Fastening an object securely to a surface or support with fixtures.
fixieren: Keeping something in a fixed position or unchanging condition.
etablieren: Establishing an institution or custom firmly within society or an organization.

Definition in German

etwas fest an Ort und Stelle befestigen oder eine Idee, Regel etc. dauerhaft etablieren

Word origin

The verb is formed from German "Anker" and "ver-"; its original sense of securing with an anchor developed into the figurative sense of establishing firmly.

Usage tips

  • The related reflexive form "sich verankern" means to become firmly established, while "etwas verankern" means to establish or secure something.

Other meanings

  • establishverb

Opposites

  • entwurzelnuprootverb
  • lockernloosenverb

Related words

  • Verankerunganchoringnoun
  • verankertanchoredadjective

Word lists with this word