Looking up...
anmachen
/ˈanˌmaχn̩/
to turn on
Kannst du bitte das Licht anmachen?
Can you please turn on the light?
informal
to turn on (a device, light, machine)
Er hat den Fernseher angemacht.
He turned on the TV.
Commonly used in everyday speech for activating electrical devices.
neutral
to light (a fire, cigarette)
Sie hat die Kerze angemacht.
She lit the candle.
Less common than 'anzünden' for lighting fires.
informal, slang
to hit on someone, to flirt
Er hat versucht, das Mädchen anzumachen.
He tried to hit on the girl.
Used in casual conversation; often implies unwanted or aggressive flirting.
informal
to make someone angry, to provoke
Sei nicht so empfindlich, ich wollte dich nicht anmachen.
Don't be so sensitive, I didn’t mean to provoke you.
Conveys starting a conflict or annoying someone.
Collocations
Licht anmachento turn on the lightFernseher anmachento turn on the TVjemanden anmachento hit on someone
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'anzünden'
'Anmachen' is not used for lighting fires or candles—use 'anzünden' instead. 'Anmachen' for lighting refers to devices (e.g., a stove).
Gold Rule
Context determines meaning
The meaning of 'anmachen' shifts drastically based on context: devices (turn on), people (flirt/provoke), or objects (light). Always check the surrounding words.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'anmachen', composed of 'an-' (prefix indicating direction/attachment) + 'machen' (to make/do). The verb's sense of 'turning on' derives from the idea of activating a mechanism.
Usage Notes
In northern Germany, 'anmachen' is more commonly used for 'turning on' devices, while in southern Germany 'anschalten' may be preferred. The slang meaning of 'flirting' is regional and informal.
Word Breakdown
an-
prefix indicating direction/attachment
prefixmachen
to make/do
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch