Hinzufügen

Hinzufügen is a German verb meaning to add, append, or attach something to another thing. It is often used when one item is added to a list, a document, or a digital interface. The derived noun das Hinzufügen refers to the act or process of adding.

Origin and form: hinzugefügt comes from hin-, a directional prefix, and fügen, meaning to join. Hin- signals direction toward the other element; fügen expresses joining or attaching. The term is a separable verb: in present tense the prefix is separated (ich füge hinzu, du fügst hinzu, er fügt hinzu). In perfect tense, the participle is hinzugefügt (ich habe hinzugefügt).

Usage: The common construction is etwas zu etwas hinzufügen ('to add something to something'). Examples: "Ich möchte der Liste noch einen Punkt hinzufügen." "Bitte füge dem Dokument eine Fußnote hinzu." In written German, "hinzufügen" can be used with direct objects or indirect object; "etwas hinzufügen" equals 'to add something.'

Related terms: beifügen (to enclose or attach as an enclosure), einfügen (to insert within text or sequence). While synonyms exist, nuance differs: hinzufü­gen emphasizes addition to an existing set; beifügen emphasizes attachment to a letter or email; einfügen emphasizes insertion within a document or list.

Usage in technology: In software, Hinzufügen is a common label on buttons that create new items; 'Neu hinzufügen' means 'add new.' The noun form das Hinzufügen appears in documentation to describe this operation.