ansprechen
address · bring up
Mit jemandem reden oder auf etwas reagieren.
The German verb "ansprechen" is a separable verb composed of the prefix "an" (on, at) and the verb "sprechen" (to speak).
- "Sprechen" means "to speak" or "to talk".
- Together, "ansprechen" means "to address" (someone), "to bring up" (a topic), or "to appeal to" (someone/something).
Similar words:
- "thematisieren" (to thematize/discuss),
- "reden mit" (to talk with),
- "aufgreifen" (to pick up on),
Difference:
While "ansprechen" often implies initiating communication directly or specifically, "thematisieren" focuses on discussing a subject, and "aufgreifen" emphasizes taking up a topic or idea mentioned earlier.
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Examples
Er spricht mich immer freundlich an.verb
He always addresses me kindly.
Er spricht das Publikum direkt an.verb
He directly addresses the audience.
Er spricht uns gleich an.verb
He will address us right away.
Wir sprechen den Lehrer an, wenn wir Fragen haben.verb
We address the teacher when we have questions.
Warum hast du den Lehrer gestern nicht direkt auf deine Probleme angesprochen?verb
Why didn’t you directly address the teacher about your problems yesterday?
Warum hast du das Thema in der Besprechung nicht angesprochen?verb
Why didn’t you bring up the topic in the meeting?
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