Aanrichten

Aanrichten is a Dutch verb with two principal meanings, both transitive. It can mean to cause or inflict something, usually damage, trouble, or harm. It can also mean to organize, arrange, or prepare something, such as an event or situation.

The word is formed with the prefix aan- added to richten, a root meaning to direct, set up, or arrange. In many contexts it behaves as a separable prefix verb, which affects word order in the present tense. In the voltooide tijd (perfect) the phrase often uses the past participle aangericht, as in a passive construction.

In the damage sense, aanrichten is typically negative and used with concrete outcomes. For example, veel schade is aangericht door de brand means the fire caused a lot of damage. In broader use it can describe trouble or disruption caused by actions, such as een hoop onrust aanrichten.

In the sense of organizing or arranging an event, aanrichten can be neutral or even positive depending on context. For example, een groots feest aanrichten can mean to throw or host a large party. The usage emphasizes the act of setting something up or initiating a situation.

Notes: aanrichten is a strong verb; its connotations depend on the object. When referring to damage, it is typically unfavorable. When referring to events, it can range from matter-of-fact to celebratory, depending on tone and context. Related synonyms include veroorzaken and teweegbrengen.