Before you start
Meet anordnen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
All 2 meanings
- to arrange, to put into a certain order (a set of items) [with nach (+ dative) ‘according to some property’ (often postpositional)]
- to order, to mandate (actions, measures)
Build the meaning
an- + ordnen
- an-
- into a particular position or arrangement
- ordnen
- to arrange, put in order
Anordnen means putting things into an intended arrangement.
So anordnen means to arrange; to order.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Separable verb: an·ordnen
In a main clause the prefix an splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseSie ordnet die Stühle im Raum an.She arranges the chairs in the room.
Subordinate clauseIch sehe, dass du die Bücher im Regal anordnest.I see that you are arranging the books on the shelf.
Participle: angeordnetzu-infinitive: anzuordnen
Forms
How anordnen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | ordne an | ordnete an |
| du | ordnest an | ordnetest an |
| er/sie/es | ordnet an | ordnete an |
| wir | ordnen an | ordneten an |
| ihr | ordnet an | ordnetet an |
| Sie | ordnen an | ordneten an |
Partizip II angeordnet · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich ordne die Bücher nach Farbe an.I arrange the books by color.prefix goes to the end
- 2Die Lehrerin hat eine kurze Pause angeordnet.The teacher ordered a short break.Perfekt with haben
- 3Wir müssen die Tische anders anordnen.We have to arrange the tables differently.verb after a modal
Verb family
More verbs built on ordnen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.