verb
anhaften
stick
Definition & meaning
The verb anhaften generally means to be attached to, to stick to, or to adhere to something. It is used in a few specific contexts:
- Physical adherence: To stick to a surface or material. It implies that something is clinging to an object, often in a way that is persistent or difficult to remove.
- Abstract/Legal attachment: Used to describe characteristics, burdens, or legal consequences that are inherently tied to a person, a piece of property, or a situation. For example, a debt might "attach" to a property, or a certain reputation might "attach" to a person.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- Type: Weak verb.
- Conjugation: It is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). The prefix "an-" separates from the stem "haften" in main clauses (e.g., "Der Schmutz haftet am Reifen an").
Word origin: The word is a compound of the preposition an (on/at) and the verb haften (to stick/to hold). The root "haften" is related to the idea of holding fast or being bound to something.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- kleben (to glue/stick)
- festgefügt sein[?](vocabuo://word/festgefügt sein) (to be firmly attached)
- anliegen (to lie against/adhere)
- anhängen (to append/attach)
- haften (to stick/to be liable)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Die Etiketten haften gut an der Oberfläche an.verb
The labels stick well to the surface.
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