an|richten
Translation
to serve, to dish up, to cause (damage)
Examples
Sie richtet das Essen auf Tellern an.
She serves the food on plates.
Der Betrug hat finanziellen Schaden angerichtet.
The fraud caused financial damage.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) anrichten to serve or arrange (food) The chef is dishing up the main course.
((sth.)) anrichten to cause (damage) The storm caused great damage.
Similar Words
(food) to serve, to dish up; (damage) to cause, to wreak
Etymology
From the separable prefix an- and the verb richten (to direct, arrange). Literally, to direct something towards a purpose or onto something.
Memory Tips
Think of 'directing' (richten) food 'onto' (an) a plate. For the negative sense, think of 'directing' harm 'at' (an) something.