Before you start
Meet anpassen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
an- + passen
- an-
- toward or into contact with something
- passen
- to fit
You make something fit with or suit what it is being matched to.
So anpassen means to adjust; to adapt.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on passen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: an·passen
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 clauseIch passe den Sitz an.I adjust the seat.
Subordinate clause…, weil ich den Sitz anpasse.…, because I adjust the seat.
Participle: angepasstzu-infinitive: anzupassen
Forms
How anpassen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | passe an | passte an |
| du | passt an | passtest an |
| er/sie/es | passt an | passte an |
| wir | passen an | passten an |
| ihr | passt an | passtet an |
| Sie | passen an | passten an |
Partizip II angepasst · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich passe die Uhr an.I adjust the clock.prefix goes to the end
- 2Wir haben den Plan angepasst.We adapted the plan.Perfekt with haben
- 3Du musst dich an die neue Schule anpassen.You have to adapt to the new school.reflexive verb with modal
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
anpassen + der Plan
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use der Plan as the direct object.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I adjusted it yesterdaygestern.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When I movedziehen to the citydie Stadt, die Städte, I quicklyschnell adapted to lifedas Leben there.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She adapts to her newneu schooldie Schule, die Schulen because it is newneu.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He adjusted the trousersdie Hose, die Hosen that were too longlang.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We have to adapt to the newneu rulesdie Regel, die Regeln.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
It is importantwichtig to adapt the plander Plan, die Pläne to the weatherdas Wetter.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Could you adapt the plander Plan, die Pläne for me?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
anpassen + der Plan + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use der Plan as the direct object.
- 3Add an obwohl-clause with its verb at the end.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
How do you adapt when your plans change?
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one sentence using anpassen.
- 2Include a wenn-clause.
- 3Say how you adapt to a change.