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anschließend

B1 adverb #1,500 most common 13 min read

anschließend

Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips anschließend in 30 Seconds

Explanation anschließend in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to sequence your day. You usually use simple words like 'dann' (then) or 'und' (and). However, you might see 'anschließend' in very simple public announcements, like at a train station or in a simple recipe. At this stage, just recognize that 'anschließend' means 'after that' or 'next.' You don't need to use it yourself yet, but knowing it will help you understand schedules. For example, if a teacher says, 'Wir lernen Deutsch. Anschließend machen wir Pause,' they mean 'We learn German. After that, we take a break.' It is a bit more 'fancy' than 'dann,' but the meaning is the same. Just remember: Event A happens, then 'anschließend' Event B happens. It's like a bridge between two actions.

At the A2 level, you are starting to describe past events and daily routines in more detail. You probably use 'danach' (after that) quite often. 'Anschließend' is a great word to add to your vocabulary to make your German sound more natural and less repetitive. You will often find it in written instructions, such as how to use a coffee machine or follow a simple workout plan. At A2, you should practice the word order: if you start a sentence with 'Anschließend,' the verb must come next. For example: 'Anschließend trinke ich einen Kaffee.' (Subsequently, I drink a coffee.) This is the 'V2' rule. You might also hear it in weather reports or news snippets on the radio. It helps you follow the order of information more clearly.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle everyday situations and professional environments. 'Anschließend' becomes a key tool for your 'Redemittel' (speech building blocks). You should use it to structure your presentations, write formal emails, and describe processes. It is much more professional than 'dann.' For example, in a job interview, you might say: 'Ich habe mein Praktikum gemacht und war anschließend als Assistent tätig.' (I did my internship and was subsequently active as an assistant.) At this level, you should also be aware that 'anschließend' can be an adjective: 'die anschließende Diskussion' (the subsequent discussion). This requires you to know your adjective endings. It's a 'power word' that elevates your speaking and writing from basic to intermediate.

At the B2 level, you should use 'anschließend' fluently and correctly in both its adverbial and adjectival forms. You should understand the subtle difference between 'anschließend' (chronological follow-up) and 'daraufhin' (causal reaction). In B2 writing tasks, such as formal complaints or reports, 'anschließend' helps you create a logical and cohesive text. You should also be comfortable using the prepositional phrase 'anschließend an' followed by the accusative case. For example: 'Anschließend an die Präsentation gab es ein Buffet.' (Following the presentation, there was a buffet.) This level of precision is expected in professional German. You should also be able to distinguish 'anschließend' from similar-looking words like 'schließlich' (finally/after all) to avoid semantic errors.

At the C1 level, 'anschließend' is a standard part of your academic and professional repertoire. You use it to manage complex discourse and to signal transitions between sophisticated ideas. You are expected to use the adjectival form with perfect declension in varied cases (e.g., 'Trotz der anschließenden Bemühungen...' - Despite the subsequent efforts...). You also recognize its use in legal and administrative German, where it defines the sequence of official procedures. At this level, you might use it to contrast different phases of a project or a historical era. Your use of 'anschließend' contributes to the 'Textkohärenz' (textual coherence) that is a hallmark of C1 proficiency. You understand its rhythmic value in a sentence and can place it strategically for emphasis.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'anschließend' and all its nuances. You use it effortlessly in high-level debates, academic theses, and literary analysis. You understand how it functions within the broader system of German temporal markers and can choose it over 'nachfolgend,' 'daraufhin,' or 'postmortal' (in specific contexts) to hit the exact right register. You might use it in complex structures, such as 'im Anschluss an' (as a noun-based prepositional phrase), to vary your style. Your mastery includes recognizing when *not* to use it—for instance, when a more poetic or archaic term might be appropriate in a literary context. For a C2 learner, 'anschließend' is not just a word for 'after,' but a precise tool for temporal architecture in language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

anschließend in 30 Seconds

Anschließend is a formal adverb meaning 'subsequently' or 'afterwards,' used to link two actions in a clear chronological sequence.
It can also function as an adjective (e.g., 'die anschließende Feier'), requiring proper declension based on the noun it modifies.
In terms of word order, if it starts a sentence, the verb must follow immediately (V2 rule), causing subject-verb inversion.
It is more professional than 'danach' and is frequently heard in news broadcasts, train announcements, and business meetings.

The German word anschließend is a versatile and sophisticated adverb and adjective that primarily translates to 'subsequently,' 'afterwards,' or 'following' in English. While it shares semantic space with simpler words like danach or nachher, anschließend carries a more formal, precise, and structured tone. It is the word of choice when you want to describe a chronological sequence of events where one action follows another in immediate or logical succession. In a professional or academic context, using anschließend demonstrates a higher level of linguistic competence, as it suggests a clear organizational framework in the speaker's mind. It is not merely about 'after,' but about the 'connection' between two events, derived from the verb anschließen (to connect or join).

Temporal Sequence: It indicates that an event occurs directly after a previously mentioned event. It acts as a bridge, ensuring the listener understands the timeline of actions without ambiguity. For example, in a recipe, it might denote the next step after preparation.
Formal Register: In business meetings, news reports, or legal documents, anschließend is preferred over dann because it sounds more objective and professional. It provides a sense of 'orderly progression' rather than just a casual 'and then'.
Adjectival Usage: Unlike danach, anschließend can function as an adjective that precedes a noun. In this case, it must be declined to match the gender, case, and number of the noun it modifies (e.g., 'die anschließende Diskussion' - the subsequent discussion).

Wir hören zuerst den Vortrag und führen anschließend eine offene Fragerunde durch.

Translation: We will first listen to the lecture and subsequently conduct an open Q&A session.

The word is deeply rooted in the concept of 'joining.' When you use anschließend, you are metaphorically 'hooking' the second event onto the first. This is why it is so common in instructions. If you are assembling furniture, the manual might say: 'Befestigen Sie die Schrauben. Prüfen Sie anschließend die Stabilität.' (Fasten the screws. Subsequently check the stability.) The check is directly linked to the fastening.

Nach dem Hauptgang servieren wir den Nachtisch und anschließend den Kaffee.

In terms of frequency, you will encounter anschließend in almost every news broadcast. Reporters use it to link segments of a story or to describe the sequence of political events. For example: 'Der Kanzler traf den Präsidenten. Anschließend gab es eine Pressekonferenz.' (The Chancellor met the President. Subsequently, there was a press conference.) This usage highlights that the press conference wasn't just 'later,' but was a direct follow-up to the meeting.

Die Polizei untersuchte den Tatort und befragte anschließend die Zeugen.

Syntactic Flexibility: As an adverb, it can occupy the first position in a sentence (triggering inversion) or follow the conjugated verb. This flexibility allows for varied sentence rhythm.

Anschließend an die Konferenz findet ein Abendessen statt.

Die Forscher analysierten die Daten und veröffentlichten anschließend ihre Ergebnisse.

Mastering the use of anschließend requires an understanding of German word order (V2 rule) and the distinction between its adverbial and adjectival roles. Because it is a connector, it usually appears in the second part of a complex sentence or at the beginning of a new sentence that refers back to a previous action. Unlike 'nachdem' (which is a conjunction and requires a subordinate clause structure), anschließend is an adverb and does not change the basic clause structure, though it does influence the position of the subject if placed at the start of a sentence.

The V2 Rule (Verb Second): If you start a sentence with anschließend, the verb must come immediately after it. 'Anschließend gehen wir ins Kino.' (Subsequently, we go to the cinema.) Note how 'gehen' (the verb) is in the second position, and 'wir' (the subject) follows it.
Mid-Sentence Placement: You can also place it after the conjugated verb and the subject. 'Wir gehen anschließend ins Kino.' This is often used when the focus is more on the action itself rather than the sequence.
Adjectival Declension: When used as an adjective, it modifies a noun and takes endings. 'Der anschließende Bericht war sehr lang.' (The subsequent report was very long.) Here, it follows the rules of adjective endings based on the gender (masculine), case (nominative), and article (definite).

Erst machen wir die Hausaufgaben, anschließend dürfen wir spielen.

Translation: First we do the homework, subsequently we are allowed to play.

One of the most common ways to use anschließend is in a list of instructions or a schedule. It provides a clean, professional transition. For example, in a travel itinerary: 'Ankunft im Hotel um 14 Uhr. Anschließend Stadtführung durch die Altstadt.' (Arrival at the hotel at 2 PM. Subsequently, a city tour through the old town.) In this context, it often appears in elliptical sentences (sentences where the verb is implied but omitted).

Wir haben das Problem besprochen und anschließend eine Lösung gefunden.

In academic writing, anschließend is used to guide the reader through the structure of a paper. 'Zuerst werden die theoretischen Grundlagen erläutert. Anschließend folgt die empirische Analyse.' (First, the theoretical foundations are explained. Subsequently, the empirical analysis follows.) This helps maintain a logical flow, which is highly valued in German academic culture.

Bitte füllen Sie das Formular aus und geben Sie es anschließend am Schalter ab.

Prepositional Use: When combined with 'an', it takes the accusative case. 'Anschließend an das Konzert gab es einen Empfang.' (Following the concert, there was a reception.) This is a very formal way to link two events.

Der Minister hielt eine Rede; anschließend beantwortete er Fragen der Journalisten.

Die Teilnehmer erhalten eine Einführung und anschließend die Unterlagen.

If you spend any time in Germany, you will hear anschließend in a variety of structured environments. It is a staple of public announcements, professional communication, and instructional media. Unlike slang words that fade or regionalisms that change by city, anschließend is a pillar of standard German (Hochdeutsch) and is used consistently from Hamburg to Munich. Understanding where it pops up will help you anticipate the flow of information in daily German life.

Public Transport & Travel: Train conductors and flight attendants use it constantly. 'Wir erreichen in Kürze Hannover Hauptbahnhof. Anschließend haben Sie Anschluss nach Berlin.' (We will shortly reach Hannover Main Station. Subsequently, you have a connection to Berlin.) Here, it signals the next step in a journey.
Television & News: News anchors use it to transition between related stories or to announce the upcoming program. 'Das war die Tagesschau. Anschließend sehen Sie den Wetterbericht.' (That was the Tagesschau. Subsequently, you will see the weather report.)
Workshops & Education: In a classroom or seminar, the instructor will outline the day. 'Wir machen eine kurze Pause und arbeiten anschließend in Gruppen weiter.' (We'll take a short break and subsequently continue working in groups.)

Zuerst waschen Sie das Gemüse, anschließend schneiden Sie es in kleine Würfel.

Common in cooking shows and recipes.

In a medical context, a doctor might explain a procedure: 'Ich werde Sie zuerst untersuchen. Anschließend besprechen wir die Ergebnisse.' (I will examine you first. Subsequently, we will discuss the results.) This use of anschließend provides a sense of calm and professional order, which is reassuring in a clinical setting. It implies a methodical approach where no step is skipped.

Der Film beginnt um 20 Uhr, anschließend gibt es eine Diskussion mit dem Regisseur.

Even in everyday life, if someone is explaining their day or a plan, they might use it to sound more organized. 'Ich gehe erst zum Sport und anschließend treffe ich mich mit Maria.' While dann would be more common in very casual speech, anschließend is by no means out of place; it just sounds a bit more 'put together.' It is very common in written emails when coordinating schedules: 'Ich bin bis 14 Uhr in einem Meeting. Anschließend habe ich Zeit für unser Telefonat.'

Wir haben die erste Phase abgeschlossen und beginnen anschließend mit der Implementierung.

Legal and Official Contexts: In police reports or court proceedings, the sequence of events is vital. 'Der Zeuge sah den Vorfall und rief anschließend die Polizei.' (The witness saw the incident and subsequently called the police.) The word emphasizes the immediate reaction.

Die Software wird installiert und anschließend automatisch neu gestartet.

Wir besichtigen das Museum und gehen anschließend gemeinsam essen.

Even though anschließend is a B1-level word, many learners (and even some native speakers in informal settings) stumble over its grammar and usage. The most frequent errors involve word order, confusion with conjunctions, and incorrect adjectival endings. Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.

Confusing Adverb with Conjunction: A very common mistake is trying to use anschließend like 'nachdem' (after). 'Nachdem' is a subordinating conjunction that sends the verb to the end of the clause. Anschließend is an adverb and cannot start a subordinate clause.
❌ Wrong: 'Anschließend wir gegessen haben, gingen wir weg.'
✅ Right: 'Wir haben gegessen. Anschließend gingen wir weg.'
Word Order (Inversion): If anschließend starts the sentence, learners often forget to flip the subject and verb.
❌ Wrong: 'Anschließend wir gehen nach Hause.'
✅ Right: 'Anschließend gehen wir nach Hause.'
Misusing 'an': When using the construction 'anschließend an...', learners sometimes use the wrong case. It requires the accusative.
❌ Wrong: 'Anschließend an dem Kurs...' (Dative)
✅ Right: 'Anschließend an den Kurs...' (Accusative)

❌ Anschließend das Essen wir gehen spazieren. (Grammar error)

Correct: Nach dem Essen gehen wir spazieren. OR: Wir essen. Anschließend gehen wir spazieren.

Another mistake is using anschließend when the time gap between events is too large. Anschließend implies a direct or immediate follow-up. If you did something three years later, 'später' or 'danach' is more appropriate. Using anschließend for distant events can sound confusing or logically disconnected.

✅ Die anschließende Feier war sehr lustig. (Correct adjectival use)

Learners also sometimes confuse anschließend with schließlich. While they look similar, schließlich means 'finally' or 'after all' (often used for emphasis or at the end of a long wait), whereas anschließend simply means 'next in the sequence.' If you want to say 'Finally, he arrived,' use schließlich. If you want to say 'He arrived and then we ate,' use anschließend.

❌ Wir haben anschließend gewonnen! (Unless you mean you won immediately after another event, 'schließlich' is better here to mean 'finally').

Redundancy: Avoid saying 'und dann anschließend'. It's redundant. Choose one or the other. 'Und anschließend' is fine, but adding 'dann' is overkill and sounds repetitive.

✅ Wir trinken einen Tee und gehen anschließend schlafen.

Die anschließenden Fragen wurden alle beantwortet.

German has a rich vocabulary for expressing time and sequence. While anschließend is excellent for formal and structured contexts, other words might be better suited for different registers or specific nuances. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right 'tool' for the job, whether you're writing a formal report or chatting with friends at a bar.

Danach: The most common and neutral alternative. It literally means 'after that.' It's safe to use in almost any situation but lacks the 'connected' nuance of anschließend.
Example: Wir essen, danach gehen wir.
Nachher: More informal and often refers to a point later in the same day. It's less about a sequence of two specific actions and more about 'later on.'
Example: Wir sehen uns nachher! (See you later!)
Daraufhin: This implies a causal link—'as a result of that.' It's more than just time; it's about reaction.
Example: Er schrie mich an. Daraufhin verließ ich den Raum.
Folgend: Used mostly as an adjective ('der folgende Tag' - the following day). It's very similar to the adjectival use of anschließend but sounds slightly more detached.

Vergleich: 'Danach' ist neutral, 'anschließend' ist formell und präzise.

When you want to emphasize that something happened 'immediately' after, you might use unmittelbar danach. However, anschließend often carries this 'immediate' sense naturally. In legal or highly technical German, you might also see nachfolgend, which is often used to refer to information appearing later in a document (e.g., 'die nachfolgenden Bestimmungen' - the following regulations).

Statt 'dann' zu sagen, nutzen Profis oft 'anschließend'.

For literary or storytelling purposes, you might use alsbald (somewhat archaic, meaning 'soon after') or darauf. But for 95% of modern communication, the choice is between danach (casual/neutral) and anschließend (formal/precise). Another interesting alternative is hinterher, which is quite colloquial and often implies a sense of 'following behind' or 'after the fact' in a slightly messy way (e.g., 'Hinterher ist man immer schlauer' - Hindsight is 20/20).

Die anschließende Untersuchung bestätigte den Verdacht.

Später: Use this when there is a significant time gap. If you eat lunch and then go to the cinema five hours later, später is better than anschließend.

Erst die Arbeit, anschließend das Vergnügen.

Er beendete das Telefonat und widmete sich anschließend wieder seiner Arbeit.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'schließen' is related to the English word 'slot' and 'close'. The 'ß' in the word is a remnant of the High German consonant shift.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈanˌʃliːsn̩t/

US /ˈɑnˌʃlisənt/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: AN-schließend.

Rhymes With

genießend fließend schießend gießend sprießend vergießend erschließend verschließend

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ie' as a short 'i'.
Forgetting the 'sch' sound and saying 's-ch'.
Pronouncing the final 'd' as a soft 'd' instead of a hard 't'.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
In Switzerland, writing 'ss' instead of 'ß' is correct, but elsewhere it is an error.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context once the 'sch' and 'ie' are mastered.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of V2 word order and adjective declension.

Speaking 6/5

Pronunciation can be a bit of a tongue-twister for beginners.

Listening 4/5

Common in announcements; easy to hear once you know the rhythm.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

dann danach nach schließen an

Learn Next

daraufhin infolgedessen nachdem bevor während

Advanced

sukzessive postmortal prozedural chronologisch konsekutiv

Grammar to Know

V2 Word Order

Anschließend *gehen* wir nach Hause.

Adjective Declension

Die *anschließende* Party war toll.

Accusative after 'an'

Anschließend an *den* Film (masculine accusative).

Final Devoicing

The 'd' in anschließend sounds like 't'.

Diphthong 'ie'

Long 'e' sound, not a short 'i'.

Examples by Level

Wir essen jetzt. Anschließend schlafen wir.

We are eating now. Afterwards we sleep.

Simple adverbial use.

Zuerst kommt der Film, anschließend die Musik.

First comes the film, afterwards the music.

Elliptical sentence (verb implied).

Ich lerne Deutsch. Anschließend gehe ich nach Hause.

I learn German. Subsequently I go home.

V2 rule: Verb 'gehe' is in second position.

Trinken Sie Wasser. Essen Sie anschließend einen Apfel.

Drink water. Subsequently eat an apple.

Imperative sentence.

Der Kurs endet um 12 Uhr. Anschließend ist Pause.

The course ends at 12. Afterwards is a break.

Subject-verb inversion.

Wir besuchen das Museum. Anschließend gehen wir in den Park.

We visit the museum. Subsequently we go to the park.

Standard sequence.

Waschen Sie die Hände. Kochen Sie anschließend.

Wash your hands. Subsequently cook.

Instructional use.

Zuerst kommt A, anschließend kommt B.

First comes A, subsequently comes B.

Basic logical sequence.

Wir haben das Auto gewaschen und anschließend poliert.

We washed the car and subsequently polished it.

Perfect tense sequence.

Besuchen Sie den Dom. Gehen Sie anschließend zum Markt.

Visit the cathedral. Subsequently go to the market.

Giving directions.

Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben. Anschließend treffe ich Freunde.

I do my homework. Subsequently I meet friends.

Present tense sequence.

Zuerst hat es geregnet, anschließend schien die Sonne.

First it rained, subsequently the sun shone.

Narrating past events.

Wir hören eine CD. Anschließend sprechen wir darüber.

We listen to a CD. Subsequently we talk about it.

Classroom activity.

Kaufen Sie das Ticket. Steigen Sie anschließend in den Zug.

Buy the ticket. Subsequently get on the train.

Travel instructions.

Er hat geduscht und sich anschließend angezogen.

He showered and subsequently got dressed.

Reflexive verb with sequence.

Wir besichtigen die Burg. Anschließend gibt es Mittagessen.

We visit the castle. Subsequently there is lunch.

Tour schedule.

Nach dem Vortrag findet eine anschließende Diskussion statt.

After the lecture, a subsequent discussion takes place.

Adjectival use: 'anschließende' (feminine, nominative).

Bitte unterschreiben Sie hier und senden Sie das Dokument anschließend zurück.

Please sign here and subsequently send the document back.

Formal instruction.

Der Minister hielt eine Rede und beantwortete anschließend Fragen.

The minister gave a speech and subsequently answered questions.

Professional context.

Wir analysieren die Fehler und suchen anschließend nach Lösungen.

We analyze the errors and subsequently look for solutions.

Workplace process.

Anschließend an das Konzert gab es einen kleinen Empfang.

Following the concert, there was a small reception.

Prepositional use: 'Anschließend an' + Accusative.

Zuerst prüfen wir die Hardware, anschließend installieren wir die Software.

First we check the hardware, subsequently we install the software.

Technical sequence.

Die Firma wurde gegründet und anschließend schnell erfolgreich.

The company was founded and subsequently quickly successful.

Business history.

Wir haben die Daten gesammelt und anschließend ausgewertet.

We collected the data and subsequently evaluated it.

Research process.

Die anschließenden Ermittlungen der Polizei dauerten Wochen.

The subsequent police investigations lasted weeks.

Adjectival use: 'anschließenden' (plural, nominative).

Er wurde entlassen und fand anschließend keine neue Stelle.

He was dismissed and subsequently found no new position.

Narrative sequence.

Das Gesetz wurde verabschiedet und anschließend im Bundesgesetzblatt veröffentlicht.

The law was passed and subsequently published in the Federal Law Gazette.

Passive voice with sequence.

Wir haben das Projekt geplant und anschließend die Finanzierung gesichert.

We planned the project and subsequently secured the financing.

Business planning.

Anschließend an seine Ausführungen stellte er sich der Kritik.

Following his remarks, he faced the criticism.

Formal prepositional structure.

Die Patienten erhielten das Medikament und wurden anschließend beobachtet.

The patients received the medication and were subsequently observed.

Medical context.

Erst wurde das Gebäude entkernt, anschließend begann die Sanierung.

First the building was gutted, subsequently the renovation began.

Technical/Construction context.

Die Verhandlungen scheiterten, und anschließend traten die Minister zurück.

The negotiations failed, and subsequently the ministers resigned.

Political context.

Die anschließende Debatte verdeutlichte die tiefen Gräben in der Partei.

The subsequent debate clarified the deep rifts within the party.

Sophisticated adjectival use.

Man muss die Ursachen verstehen, um anschließend die richtigen Maßnahmen zu ergreifen.

One must understand the causes to subsequently take the right measures.

Infinitive clause with 'um...zu'.

Anschließend an die Katastrophe wurde ein Krisenstab eingerichtet.

Following the catastrophe, a crisis management team was established.

Formal prepositional use.

Die Studie wurde durchgeführt und anschließend von Experten begutachtet.

The study was conducted and subsequently peer-reviewed by experts.

Academic context.

Zuerst erfolgt die theoretische Einbettung, anschließend die methodische Umsetzung.

First the theoretical embedding occurs, subsequently the methodical implementation.

Academic structure.

Die Truppen zogen sich zurück, was anschließend zu einem Machtvakuum führte.

The troops withdrew, which subsequently led to a power vacuum.

Relative clause with 'was'.

Der Vertrag wurde unterzeichnet, doch die anschließende Umsetzung verlief schleppend.

The treaty was signed, but the subsequent implementation proceeded sluggishly.

Contrastive sentence.

Wir haben die Risiken bewertet und anschließend das Budget angepasst.

We assessed the risks and subsequently adjusted the budget.

Strategic management.

Die anschließende Exegese des Textes offenbarte zahlreiche Widersprüche.

The subsequent exegesis of the text revealed numerous contradictions.

Highly academic vocabulary.

Es bedarf einer gründlichen Analyse, um anschließend eine fundierte Entscheidung treffen zu können.

It requires a thorough analysis to subsequently be able to make an informed decision.

Complex modal structure.

Anschließend an die Hegemonialbestrebungen folgte eine Phase der Isolation.

Following the hegemonic aspirations, a phase of isolation followed.

Historical/Political analysis.

Die Entdeckung wurde gemacht und anschließend in den Kanon der Wissenschaft aufgenommen.

The discovery was made and subsequently included in the scientific canon.

Passive voice with abstract nouns.

Zuerst wurde die Prämisse hinterfragt, anschließend das gesamte Paradigma verworfen.

First the premise was questioned, subsequently the entire paradigm was discarded.

Philosophical context.

Die anschließende Synthese der verschiedenen Ansätze erwies sich als fruchtbar.

The subsequent synthesis of the various approaches proved to be fruitful.

Scientific/Academic context.

Der Autor skizziert das Problem und widmet sich anschließend der Dekonstruktion der Mythen.

The author outlines the problem and subsequently devotes himself to the deconstruction of the myths.

Literary criticism.

Anschließend an die industrielle Revolution wandelte sich das soziale Gefüge grundlegend.

Following the Industrial Revolution, the social fabric changed fundamentally.

Sociological context.

Common Collocations

anschließende Diskussion

anschließend an

direkt anschließend

und anschließend

anschließende Untersuchung

anschließende Maßnahmen

anschließende Fragen

anschließende Jahre

anschließend erfolgen

anschließend mitteilen

Common Phrases

Gleich anschließend

— Immediately afterwards.

Gleich anschließend an die Show gibt es Autogramme.

Und was passiert anschließend?

— And what happens next?

Wir machen den Test. Und was passiert anschließend?

Anschließend an das Gesagte

— Following up on what was said.

Anschließend an das Gesagte möchte ich noch etwas ergänzen.

Anschließend an die Sitzung

— Following the meeting.

Anschließend an die Sitzung gehen wir zum Lunch.

Die anschließende Zeit

— The time following an event.

Die anschließende Zeit war sehr ruhig.

Anschließend an den Erfolg

— Following the success.

Anschließend an den Erfolg expandierte die Firma.

Anschließend an die Prüfung

— Following the exam.

Anschließend an die Prüfung haben wir gefeiert.

Anschließend an die Rede

— Following the speech.

Anschließend an die Rede gab es Applaus.

Anschließend an den Vorfall

— Following the incident.

Anschließend an den Vorfall wurde die Sicherheit erhöht.

Anschließend an die Wahl

— Following the election.

Anschließend an die Wahl bildete sich eine Koalition.

Often Confused With

anschließend vs schließlich

Means 'finally' or 'after all', not 'subsequently'.

anschließend vs nachdem

A conjunction requiring a subordinate clause, not an adverb.

anschließend vs danach

Less formal and lacks the 'direct connection' nuance.

Idioms & Expressions

"Anschluss finden"

— To find a connection or fit in socially.

Er hat in der neuen Stadt schnell Anschluss gefunden.

Neutral

"Den Anschluss verlieren"

— To lose touch or fall behind.

Die Firma hat technologisch den Anschluss verloren.

Neutral

"In diesem Anschluss"

— In this context (somewhat rare/formal).

In diesem Anschluss möchte ich bemerken...

Formal

"Anschluss halten"

— To keep up with others.

Man muss lernen, um Anschluss zu halten.

Neutral

"Kurzschlussreaktion"

— A knee-jerk or impulsive reaction.

Das war eine reine Kurzschlussreaktion.

Neutral

"Anschlusstreffer"

— The goal that narrows the lead (sports).

In der 80. Minute fiel der Anschlusstreffer.

Sports

"Anschlussflug"

— Connecting flight.

Ich habe meinen Anschlussflug verpasst.

Travel

"Anschlussgarantie"

— Extended warranty.

Ich habe eine Anschlussgarantie gekauft.

Business

"Anschlussstelle"

— Junction or connection point.

Die nächste Anschlussstelle ist gesperrt.

Technical

"Anschlussvertrag"

— Follow-up contract.

Sie hat einen Anschlussvertrag unterschrieben.

Business

Easily Confused

anschließend vs schließlich

Similar spelling and root.

'Schließlich' means 'finally' (at the end of a long time), while 'anschließend' means 'next in line'.

Er kam schließlich an. (He finally arrived.) vs. Er kam an und aß anschließend. (He arrived and subsequently ate.)

anschließend vs nachdem

Both deal with 'after'.

'Nachdem' is a conjunction (verb at the end). 'Anschließend' is an adverb (verb in position 2).

Nachdem wir gegessen hatten, gingen wir. vs. Wir aßen. Anschließend gingen wir.

anschließend vs danach

Synonyms.

'Danach' is everyday language. 'Anschließend' is for formal schedules and professional contexts.

Erst Mathe, danach Pause. (School kid) vs. Erst die Analyse, anschließend die Synthese. (Professor)

anschließend vs daraufhin

Both describe a sequence.

'Daraufhin' implies a reaction or cause-effect. 'Anschließend' is purely temporal.

Er lachte, daraufhin wurde sie wütend. vs. Er lachte und trank anschließend sein Wasser.

anschließend vs später

Both mean 'later'.

'Später' can be much later. 'Anschließend' is usually immediate or the very next step.

Wir sehen uns später (in 5 hours). vs. Wir essen und gehen anschließend (right after) spazieren.

Sentence Patterns

Zuerst A, anschließend B.

Zuerst essen, anschließend schlafen.

Anschließend + Verb + Subjekt.

Anschließend gehen wir ins Kino.

Subjekt + Verb + Objekt + anschließend.

Wir besuchen das Museum anschließend.

Die anschließende + Nomen.

Die anschließende Diskussion war gut.

Anschließend an + Akkusativ.

Anschließend an das Konzert gab es Wein.

Im Anschluss an + Akkusativ.

Im Anschluss an die Wahl gab es Proteste.

Nomen + mit anschließender + Nomen.

Ein Vortrag mit anschließender Fragerunde.

Partizipialkonstruktion mit anschließend.

Die Daten analysierend und anschließend bewertend...

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in written and formal spoken German.

Common Mistakes

Anschließend wir gehen. → Anschließend gehen wir.
In German, the verb must be in the second position. If 'anschließend' is first, the verb must come next.
Anschließend das Essen... → Nach dem Essen...
'Anschließend' is an adverb, not a preposition. You cannot put a noun directly after it without 'an'.
Anschließend ich habe gegessen. → Anschließend habe ich gegessen.
Subject-verb inversion is required after an introductory adverb.
Anschließend an dem Kurs. → Anschließend an den Kurs.
The prepositional phrase 'anschließend an' requires the accusative case, not the dative.
Wir haben anschließend gewonnen! → Wir haben schließlich gewonnen!
If you mean 'finally' (after a struggle), use 'schließlich'. 'Anschließend' just means 'next'.

Tips

Vary Your Connectors

In a long text, don't use 'danach' every time. Use 'anschließend', 'daraufhin', and 'später' to make your writing more interesting and professional.

Watch the V2 Rule

Always place the verb in the second position when starting a sentence with 'anschließend'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Learn the Adjective

Don't just learn it as an adverb. Using 'die anschließende Diskussion' instead of 'die Diskussion danach' will make you sound much more like a native speaker.

The Long 'ie'

Make sure to stretch the 'ie' sound. It's a long 'ee' like in 'see'. If you make it short, it might be harder for natives to understand you quickly.

Public Announcements

Next time you are at a German train station, listen for 'anschließend'. It's almost always used when announcing connecting trains.

Job Interviews

Use 'anschließend' when describing your CV. 'Ich habe studiert und war anschließend bei Firma X.' It sounds much more structured than using 'dann'.

Essay Writing

Use 'anschließend' to transition between paragraphs or sections of your essay. It helps guide the reader through your logical argument.

Connection

Associate it with 'Anschluss'. Both words are about things 'connecting' or 'following' each other.

The Eszett (ß)

Remember the 'ß' after the long vowel 'ie'. This is a standard rule in German spelling (ß after long vowels and diphthongs).

Immediate Action

Use 'anschließend' when the next action follows relatively soon. If there's a huge gap, 'später' is a better choice.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'AN-SCHLIEẞEND' as 'ON-CLOSING'. When you close one chapter, the next one follows 'on' it immediately.

Visual Association

Imagine two train cars being 'connected' (anschließen). The second car is 'anschließend' to the first one.

Word Web

danach Folge Anschluss Verbindung Zeit Reihenfolge nächste später

Challenge

Try to describe your morning routine using 'anschließend' at least three times in a row without using 'dann' or 'und'.

Word Origin

Derived from the German verb 'anschließen', which combines the prefix 'an-' (at/to) and the verb 'schließen' (to close/lock). The literal sense is 'to lock onto' or 'to join to'.

Original meaning: To be joined or connected to something previously mentioned.

Germanic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral temporal marker.

English speakers often over-rely on 'then' or 'after that'. Using 'subsequently' (the English equivalent of 'anschließend') can sometimes sound too formal in English, but in German, 'anschließend' is perfectly normal in semi-formal and formal contexts.

Used in the 'Tagesschau' sign-off. Common in German legal codes (BGB). Frequently found in 'Lego' instruction manuals in German.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel

Anschluss nach...
Anschließend haben Sie...
Gleich anschließend...
Anschließende Fahrt...

Cooking

Anschließend würzen...
Anschließend servieren...
Anschließend kochen...
Anschließend abkühlen...

Business

Anschließende Besprechung...
Anschließend an das Meeting...
Anschließend mitteilen...
Anschließende Schritte...

Education

Anschließende Fragen...
Anschließend an den Kurs...
Anschließend bearbeiten...
Anschließende Prüfung...

News

Anschließend sehen Sie...
Anschließend an den Bericht...
Anschließend wurde bekannt...
Anschließende Debatte...

Conversation Starters

"Was machst du heute nach der Arbeit und was machst du anschließend?"

"Haben wir nach dem Meeting eine anschließende Pause?"

"Können wir erst essen und anschließend über das Problem reden?"

"Was passiert anschließend an die Ausbildung in deiner Firma?"

"Hast du nach dem Sport noch eine anschließende Verabredung?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe deinen perfekten Morgen. Was machst du zuerst und was machst du anschließend?

Reflektiere über ein wichtiges Ereignis in deinem Leben. Was passierte direkt anschließend?

Schreibe eine Anleitung für dein Lieblingsrezept und benutze dabei oft das Wort 'anschließend'.

Wie planst du deine Arbeitstage? Nutze 'anschließend', um die Reihenfolge deiner Aufgaben zu erklären.

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Nachrichtensprecher. Schreibe die Übergänge für drei verschiedene Themen unter Verwendung von 'anschließend'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'anschließend' is significantly more formal. While 'danach' is used in everyday conversation, 'anschließend' is preferred in business, news, and academic writing to provide a structured and professional tone.

Absolutely. It is very common to start a sentence with 'anschließend'. Just remember the V2 rule: the verb must come immediately after it, followed by the subject (e.g., 'Anschließend gehen wir').

'Anschließend' means 'subsequently' or 'next in a sequence'. 'Schließlich' means 'finally' or 'after all'. Use 'anschließend' for the next step and 'schließlich' for the final result or an explanation.

As an adverb, no. However, as an adjective, it must be declined to match the noun it modifies (e.g., 'der anschließende Tag', 'die anschließende Diskussion', 'das anschließende Gespräch').

Yes, it is often used with 'an' + accusative. For example: 'Anschließend an das Konzert' (Following the concert). This is a very formal way to link two events.

In Germany and Austria, it is 'anschließend' with a 'ß'. In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, it is written as 'anschliessend' with 'ss'. Both are correct in their respective regions.

It is grammatically possible but considered redundant (pleonasm). It's better to use either 'und dann' or 'und anschließend'. Using both sounds repetitive.

In German, a 'd' at the end of a word is pronounced like a 't'. So, 'anschließend' sounds like it ends with a 't' (an-schlie-ßent).

Yes, very frequently. It is used to describe the next step in the cooking process, such as 'Zwiebeln anbraten, anschließend das Fleisch hinzufügen'.

It is generally considered a B1 level word. A1 and A2 learners usually stick to 'dann' and 'danach', while B1 learners start using 'anschließend' to elevate their register.