anstiften

/ˈanˌʃtɪftn̩/

verb C1

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: stiftet an
past: stiftete an
perfect: hat angestiftet

Meaning

to incite

Built from an (on, at) + stiften (to donate).
- Er stiftete sie zum Diebstahl an.
  
  He incited her to steal.
- Er stiftete seinen Freund zum Diebstahl an. Beide wurden später bestraft.
  
  He incited his friend to commit the theft. Both were punished later.

Made of

an on, at
stiften to donate

Similar words

aufstacheln

Near-total synonyms for "to incite"; anstiften is often used for inciting a crime or plot, aufstacheln leans toward stirring up emotion or rebellion.

Similar in other languages

Spanish

incitar

incitar is the Spanish word for the same thing — both mean "to incite."

Portuguese

incitar

incitar is the Portuguese word for the same thing — both mean "to incite."

Practice

1 What does anstiften mean?

2 Fill the gap: Er ___ sie zum Diebstahl an.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches anstiften?

verbseparablecompound

Last updated 2026-09-24