anstecke

Anstecke is not a stand-alone entry in standard German; it is a form related to the separable-prefix verb anstecken. In normal usage, the prefix an is separated in present-tense clauses, so you would typically see phrases like ich stecke das Schild an die Wand rather than anstecke as a single word. The past participle of the verb is angesteckt.

The primary senses of the related verb anstecken are twofold. First, to infect or transmit a disease or condition. In this sense, it can be used both literally and figuratively: jemand kann sich oder andere anstecken; for example, “Viele Menschen stecken sich mit Grippe an.” Figuratively, “Es steckt an” describes a contagious mood or behavior, as in “Die Begeisterung steckt die Gruppe an.” Second, to attach, pin, or affix something to something else using a physical fastener. For instance, “Er steckt das Namensschild an die Jacke” means to pin or attach the badge to the clothing. The verb is commonly used with objects such as badges, labels, or wires, depending on the context.

Grammatically, anstecken is a separable-prefix verb; in main clauses the prefix tends to move to the end: “Ich stecke das Schild an.” The past tense forms use angesteckt, as in “Ich habe das Schild an die Wand angesteckt.” The noun form related to the idea of infection is Ansteckung, and related compounds include Anstecknadel (pin) and Ansteckungskette (chain of transmission) in medical or descriptive contexts.

See also: Ansteckung, Anstecknadel, stecken.