verb

antreten

report · show up · compete · start

Es bedeutet, mit etwas zu beginnen, sich irgendwo einzufinden oder eine Aufgabe oder Reise zu starten.

Definition & meaning

antreten is a separable German verb with several meanings, depending on context:

To begin a journey or set off:
eine Reise antreten — to set out on a journey.
To start a job, term of office, or period of service:
eine Stelle antreten — to take up a position;
den Dienst antreten — to report for or begin duty.
To enter or take part in a competition, or face an opponent:
gegen eine Mannschaft antreten — to compete against a team.
To line up or assemble, especially in a formal or military setting:
Die Soldaten treten an. — The soldiers fall into formation.
To accept an inheritance:
ein Erbe antreten — to accept or take possession of an inheritance.

Grammar & Word origin

antreten is formed from the separable prefix an- and the verb treten. In a main clause, the prefix usually moves to the end: Wir treten morgen an. In the past participle, the prefix remains attached: angetreten.

It is a strong verb: tritt an – trat an – ist angetreten. The auxiliary is usually sein when the verb describes setting off or entering a role or competition.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary by meaning:

For starting a journey: aufbrechen means to set off or depart, often emphasizing the moment of leaving.
For beginning a job or duty: beginnen is a general “begin”; übernehmen emphasizes taking responsibility for a role or task.
For competing: teilnehmen means to participate, without necessarily emphasizing competition against someone.
For forming up: sich aufstellen means to position oneself or line up.

There is no single antonym for all meanings. Depending on context:

zurücktreten can mean to resign or step back, opposite to taking up an office or duty.
absagen means to cancel or decline, opposite to showing up for a commitment or competition.
zurückkehren means to return, opposite to setting out on a journey.