an|stellen
Translation
to hire, to line up, to turn on, to do (something foolish)
Examples
Die Firma stellt neue Leute an.
The company is hiring new people.
Stell dich bitte hinten an.
Please get in line at the back.
Kannst du die Heizung anstellen?
Can you turn on the heat?
Was hast du wieder angestellt?
What have you done now?
Grammar Patterns
((j-n)) anstellen to hire ((sb.)) The company is hiring a new programmer.
((sich)) anstellen to line up We have to line up at the checkout.
((et4)) anstellen to turn on ((sth.)) Please turn on the light.
((et4)) anstellen to do ((sth. silly)) What did the children do?
Similar Words
Etymology
From 'an-' + 'stellen' (to put, to place). The meanings come from 'placing' someone 'at' a job (hire), 'placing' oneself 'at' a line (line up), 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').