hinzufügen
/hɪnˈtsuːfyːɡŋ̩/
The German verb for 'to add' is hinzufügen. If unsure, use hinzufügen. Wiktionary also lists zugeben.
Meaning: to make an addition, to augment, to increase, to add on (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| hinzufügen | /hɪnˈtsuːfyːɡŋ̩/ /hɪnˈtsuːfyːɡən/ |
| zugeben | /ˈt͡suː.ɡeːbən/ /ˈt͡suːɡeːbm/ |
hinzufügen is used when you are appending or supplementing something to an existing collection, list or substance, such as adding an ingredient to a recipe or a comment to a discussion.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb hinzufügen is a separable verb. It is composed of hin-, meaning 'towards' or 'to' and fügen, meaning 'to join' or 'to fit'. Literally, it means 'to add to'.
Which one should you use?
While hinzufügen refers to the physical or logical act of adding something to a substance or list, zugeben is primarily used to mean 'to admit' or 'to confess' a fact.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of hinzufügen is hinzugefügt.
How do you pronounce it?
/hɪnˈtsuːfyːɡŋ̩/
Did you know?
- In mathematical addition, Germans do not use hinzufügen but instead use addieren or the phrase plus rechnen.
- The word fügen can also mean 'to obey' or 'to submit' in certain archaic or formal contexts, mirroring the idea of 'fitting' oneself to a rule.
- While hinzufügen is the standard term for adding, Germans often use the verb dazu tun in casual speech to describe adding a pinch of salt or a splash of water.
Examples in context
- Ich muss etwas hinzufügen.I have to add something.This sentence shows how to use hinzufügen to express a necessity.Tatoeba #7801988 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5746790 by CM
- Eine Prise Salz hinzufügen.Add a pinch of salt.This sentence demonstrates using hinzufügen in the context of cooking.Tatoeba #8848221 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5776174 by Hybrid
- Bitte mehr Kaffee hinzufügen.Please add more coffee.This sentence shows how to use hinzufügen when requesting an addition.Tatoeba #769533 by BraveSentry, translation #767008 by Zifre
- Sie können Zutaten zum Rezept hinzufügenYou can add ingredients to the recipe
- Bitte fügen Sie die erforderlichen Unterlagen dem Antrag beiPlease add the necessary documents to the application
- Kannst du bitte noch etwas Salz dazutun?Could you please add some more salt?
- Gib einfach etwas mehr Wasser dazuJust add a little more water
- Kannst du bitte noch Milch dazutun? Ich mag meinen Kaffee cremig.Could you please add some milk? I like my coffee creamy.
- Mama, können wir diese leckeren Cookies unserem Einkaufswagen hinzufügen?Mom, can we add these delicious cookies to our shopping cart?
- Zuerst müssen wir das Gemüse dazugeben und dann die Gewürze.First, we need to add the vegetables and then the spices.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are working together on a digital document.
- HannahFelix, kannst du bitte den Namen hinzufügen?Felix, can you please add the name?
- FelixJa, ich werde ihn sofort hinzufügen.Yes, I will add it immediately.
- HannahDanke, das ist sehr hilfreich.Thanks, that is very helpful.
- FelixGerne, Hannah. Ist sonst noch etwas offen?Gladly, Hannah. Is anything else missing?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “add” translations and entries hinzufügen, zugeben, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
