aansteken

Aansteken is a Dutch verb meaning to light or ignite a flame or fire, such as a candle, stove, or cigarette, and by extension to start something by lighting. It can also be used in a broader sense to set something in motion, like initiating an action or event. The act itself is physical, but the term is also used in figurative contexts in which something is started or sparked.

Grammatical notes: Aansteken is a separable verb. In present tense forms the particle is placed at the end of the clause (ik steek de kaars aan; jij steekt de sigaar aan; hij steekt de deur aan). The past participle is aangestoken and is used with hebben (ik heb het vuur aangestoken). The passive construction uses zijn (het vuur is aangestoken).

Common usages: The verb is used for lighting a real flame or heat source, for example: ik steek de kaars aan, wij steken de kachel aan, hij steekt de sigaret aan. The noun form het aansteken refers to the act itself, and een aansteker is a lighter used to perform the action. The phrase can also appear in contexts where a fire or flame is started in less literal ways, such as starting a process or initiating an event, though more common in Dutch is a related expression that emphasizes ignition or initiation.

Etymology and related forms: Aansteken is composed of aan- (on, at) and steken (to stab, to poke, or to insert), indicating the action of initiating a flame. Related terms include ontsteken (to ignite or inflame, often more intense or forcible) and aanwakkeren (to rekindle or stimulate).