zünden

/ˈtsʏndn̩/

verb B1

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

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: zündet
past: zündete
perfect: hat gezündet

Meaning

to ignite, to light
- Sie zündete das Streichholz an.
  
  She lit the match.
- Er zündete das Feuer mit einem Streichholz an. Bald brannte es hell.
  
  He lit the fire with a match. Soon it was burning brightly.

Similar words

entzünden

Zünden is the everyday word for "to ignite/light" (a match, an engine); entzünden means the same, but also separately means "to inflame" (a wound, emotions).

anzünden

Close synonyms for "to light, to ignite"; anzünden is the everyday word (lighting a candle, a fire), zünden is slightly more technical (an engine igniting).

Similar in other languages

Spanish

alumbrar

Close — to ignite/light relates to lighting.

Practice

1 What does zünden mean?

2 Fill the gap: Sie ___ das Streichholz an.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches zünden?

verb

Last updated 2026-09-21