Verb #754 an verb

anfallen

fällt an · ist angefallen · fiel an
Based on: an, fallen
1.

to attack

(Sudden, primal, physical, unexpected and with some “weight” behind it. NOT for armies or professional fighters.)
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Examples
  • Zum ersten mal seit 10 Jahren hat hier ein Hai einen Surfer angefallen.
  • For the first time in 10 years a shark has attacked a surfer.
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2.

to accumulate, to accrue, to arise

(The core idea is "turning up" and it's used in context of costs, work or wastage of some kind.)
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Examples
  • Beim Morgenmeeting besprechen wir, welche Arbeiten an dem Tag anfallen.
  • At the morning meeting we talk about which tasks "turn up" are to be done that day.
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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

“anfallen” – Prefix Verbs Explained

A look at "anfallen" and why it means "attack" and "be on the agenda". And a look at the difference between "Angriff" and "Anfall" which both are "attack"

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The verb “fallen” – (almost) all Prefix Versions

All the prefix versions of "fallen" in one list - with meaning, usage and audio examples.

Vocab: fallen, auffallen, ausfallen, befallen, entfallen, einfallen, abfallen, anfallen, verfallen,...

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Questions and Comments

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How many meanings does the German word 'anfallen' have?

anfallen has 2 distinct meanings: 1. to attack , 2. to accumulate, to accrue, to arise.

What is the past tense of 'anfallen'?

ist angefallen / fiel an

What is the er/sie/es form of 'anfallen'?

er/sie/es fällt an

What is 'anfallen' related to?

The word 'anfallen' is related to an and fallen.

Where can I learn more about 'anfallen'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'anfallen':

“anfallen” – Prefix Verbs Explained
A look at "anfallen" and why it means "attack" and "be on the agenda". And a look at the difference between "Angriff" and "Anfall" which both are "attack"
Read article

The verb “fallen” – (almost) all Prefix Versions
All the prefix versions of "fallen" in one list - with meaning, usage and audio examples.
Vocab: fallen, auffallen, ausfallen, befallen, entfallen, einfallen, abfallen, anfallen, verfallen,...
Read article