Dictionary
anstellen
German → American English
American English
hire
jemanden beschäftigen oder in einem Betrieb als Mitarbeiter aufnehmen; auch: etwas verursachen oder in Gang setzen
Die Firma will im nächsten Monat zwei neue Ingenieure anstellen.Use anstellen mainly in the sense of hiring or employing someone. In everyday German, it can also mean “to cause” or “to do/turn on” in some contexts, so pay attention to the object and sentence structure.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “anstellen” mean in English?
It usually means “to hire” or “to employ.” Depending on context, it can also mean “to cause” or “to do” something.
Is “anstellen” formal or informal?
It is neutral and common in standard German, especially in employment contexts.
What is the difference between “anstellen” and “einstellen”?
Both can mean “to hire,” but “einstellen” is more common in standard business German. “Anstellen” is also used in other meanings, like “to cause” something.
Can “anstellen” mean “to turn on”?
Yes, in some contexts it can mean to turn on or start something, especially a device or heating system.