Is the word acendem the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling, grammar, and dictionary meaning of "acendem" are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage and pronunciation. In Brazil, "acender" is the standard verb used for turning on electric lights or appliances. In Portugal, "ligar" is much more common for electrical switches, whereas "acender" is typically reserved for things involving fire or flames (such as candles, matches, or incense). Additionally, the pronunciation of the unstressed vowels is much more reduced and "closed" in Continental Portuguese compared to the more open, melodic vowels of Brazilian Portuguese.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eles acendem a luz assim que chegam em casa. (They turn on the light as soon as they arrive home.)
2. As crianças acendem a fogueira no acampamento. (The children light the bonfire at the campsite.)
3. Eles acendem as velas para o jantar romântico. (They light the candles for the romantic dinner.)
4. Eles acendem o cigarro logo cedo. (They light a cigarette early in the morning.)
5. Os decoradores acendem as luzes de Natal. (The decorators turn on the Christmas lights.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eles ligam a luz assim que chegam a casa. (They turn on the light as soon as they arrive home.)
2. As crianças acendem a fogueira no acampamento. (The children light the bonfire at the campsite.)
3. Eles acendem as velas para o jantar romântico. (They light the candles for the romantic dinner.)
4. Eles acendem o cigarro logo cedo. (They light a cigarette early in the morning.)
5. Os decoradores ligam as luzes de Natal. (The decorators turn on the Christmas lights.)