German Conversation · Level 126
44 words
German word
zünden
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈtsʏndn̩/
Meaning
- verblight
Example
Gestern zündete ich das Streichholz.
Yesterday I lit the match.
More examples
Wir zündeten am Strand ein Lagerfeuer.
At the beach, we lit a campfire.
Core concept
A small ignition action makes fire or a reaction begin.
Common phrases
ein Lagerfeuer zünden
set a campfire alight
bei den Zuhörern zündet
strike a chord with the listeners
eine Kerze zünden
set a candle alight
Similar words
anzünden: To light a candle, campfire, or similar fire.
entfachen: To kindle strong feelings or interest.
auslösen: To trigger a reaction or event.
Definition in German
Durch Flamme, Funken oder einen Zünder etwas entzünden oder einen Zünder auslösen.
Word origin
Zünden is an inherited Germanic verb whose older forms described setting tinder alight, a meaning later extended to igniting devices and charges.
Usage tips
- In figurative use, Eine Idee zündet means that an idea catches on or has an effect, rather than that it produces literal fire.