anfangen
begin · start
Etwas beginnen oder mit einer Tätigkeit starten.
The German word "anfangen" is a verb meaning "to begin" or "to start". It is composed of:
- an (prefix, meaning "on" or "at")
- fangen (verb, meaning "to catch")
Together, "anfangen" literally conveys the idea of "catching on" or initiating something.
Similar words:
- beginnen (to begin)
- losgehen (to get going)
- starten (to start)
Differences:
- anfangen and beginnen are often interchangeable, but anfangen is more common in everyday spoken German, while beginnen is slightly more formal or literary.
- losgehen emphasizes the action starting and is often used for events or verbs involving movement.
- starten comes from English and is mainly used for machines, vehicles, or formal projects.
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Examples
Wir fangen mit der Arbeit an.verb
We begin with the work.
Morgen können alle mit dem Projekt anfangen.verb
Tomorrow everyone can start with the project.
Morgen fange ich meine Arbeit an.verb
Tomorrow I start my work.
Der Kurs fängt bald an.verb
The course starts soon.
Du kannst jetzt anfangen.verb
You can start now.
Warum hast du gestern nicht früher angefangen?verb
Why didn’t you start earlier yesterday?
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