Angeben

Angeben is a German verb with several related meanings. It is formed from the prefix an- attached to geben and is typically a separable verb in the present tense. The word has two primary uses in everyday language: to indicate or specify information, and to boast or show off.

In the first sense, ange-ben means to provide details or state facts. It is common in forms, questionnaires, and official contexts. Examples include Bitte geben Sie Ihre Daten an (Please provide your data) and Die Umfrage erfragt persönliche Angaben (The survey asks for personal information). The corresponding noun is Angabe (feminine) in the plural Angaben, meaning pieces of information or statements. Phrases such as Angaben machen (to provide information) are standard.

In the second sense, angeben means to boast or show off, often with the preposition mit. Example: Er gibt gern mit seinem neuen Auto an (He likes to brag about his new car). This sense is informal and contrasts with the factual, information-giving use.

Grammar and usage notes: ange-ben is transitive. In the present tense the prefix is typically separated: Ich gebe die Daten an. The past tense forms include gab an (simple past) and hat angegeben (present perfect). The verb’s meaning is determined by context; in formal writing it usually refers to stating information, while the boast sense appears in informal speech.