an|stellen
Translation
to employ, to queue, to turn on, to get up to (mischief)
Examples
Die Firma stellt neue Leute an.
The company is hiring new people.
Stell dich bitte hinten an.
Please queue at the back.
Kannst du die Heizung anstellen?
Can you turn on the heating?
Was hast du wieder angestellt?
What have you been up to again?
Grammar Patterns
((j-n)) anstellen to employ ((sb.)) The company is employing a new programmer.
((sich)) anstellen to queue up We have to queue at the checkout.
((et4)) anstellen to turn on ((sth.)) Please turn on the light.
((et4)) anstellen to get up to ((sth.)) What did the children get up to?
Similar Words
Etymology
From 'an-' + 'stellen' (to put, to place). The meanings come from 'placing' someone 'at' a job (employ), 'placing' oneself 'at' a line (queue), or 'placing' a device 'on' (turn on).
Memory Tips
Think of 'stellen' (to place). You 'place' someone 'at' ('an') a job, 'place' yourself 'at' a line, or 'place' a machine 'on' ('an').