anzünden
/ˈanˌt͡sʏndən/
The English verb 'ignite' can be translated into German as anzünden or zünden.
Meaning: to set fire to, to light (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| zünden | /ˈt͡sʏndn̩/ /ˈt͡sʏndən/ |
| anzünden | /ˈanˌt͡sʏndən/ |
The verb is used to describe the act of setting something on fire or lighting it. Specifically, anzünden is the standard verb used when lighting candles or small fires, such as in the phrase eine Kerze anzünden (to light a candle).
Which one should you use?
anzünden is used for lighting objects like candles or fires. In contrast, zünden is more commonly used in technical contexts, such as a rocket engine or a detonator firing.
How does it change in a sentence?
anzünden is a separable verb. In simple present tense sentences, the prefix an- moves to the end of the clause, for example: Ich zünde die Kerze an. The simple past form is anzündete, and the past participle is angezündet.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈanˌtsʏndən/
Did you know?
- In the context of internal combustion engines, the German word for a 'spark plug' is Zündkerze, which literally translates to 'ignition candle'.
- German has the word Zündstoff, which literally means 'ignition material' but is commonly used to describe a provocative topic that starts an argument.
- German distinguishes between anzünden for a flame and entfachen for a larger fire or a passion, though both translate to 'ignite' in English.
Examples in context
- Bitte entzünden Sie das FeuerPlease ignite the fire
- Wir müssen ein Feuer entfachen, um warm zu bleibenWe need to ignite a fire to stay warm
- Lass uns das Lagerfeuer anzündenLet's ignite the bonfire
- Ich möchte die Kerzen anzünden.I want to light the candles.
- Kannst du bitte das Lagerfeuer anzünden?Can you please light the campfire?
- Wir müssen das Holz anzünden.We need to light the wood.
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are preparing for a cozy evening at home.
- JuliaMaximilian, kannst du bitte die Kerzen anzünden?Maximilian, can you please light the candles?
- MaximilianJa, ich werde sie sofort anzünden.Yes, I will light them immediately.
- JuliaDas sieht sehr gemütlich aus.That looks very cozy.
- MaximilianDas stimmt, es ist sehr schön geworden.That's true, it turned out very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ignite” translations and entries zünden, anzünden, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
