beginnen

Definition & meaning

The verb beginnen is the standard German term for "to begin" or "to start." It is used in several contexts:

1. To initiate an action or process: Used when something starts to happen or when someone starts doing something. (e.g., "Der Film beginnt um acht Uhr" – The movie starts at eight o'clock).
2. To start an activity with an object: When used with the preposition "mit," it denotes the commencement of a specific task or engagement (e.g., "Wir beginnen mit der Arbeit" – We are starting the work).
3. To come into existence: Used to describe the inception of a period or state (e.g., "Die Ferien beginnen bald" – The holidays are beginning soon).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

• Verb Type: Strong verb.
• Conjugation: It is conjugated irregularly. The past tense (Präteritum) is "begann" and the past participle (Partizip II) is "begonnen."
• Transitivity: It can be used both transitively (e.g., "Ich beginne ein Buch") and intransitively (e.g., "Das Konzert beginnt").

Word origin:

• The word originates from the Old High German "biginnan," which is composed of the prefix "bi-" (signifying a beginning or intensifying the verb) and the Old High German "ginnan" (meaning to open up or to undertake).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• anfangen ↗ (the most common synonym, used almost interchangeably)
• starten ↗ (often used for technical starts, engines, or competitions)
• einleiten ↗ (to initiate or introduce)
• loslegen ↗ (colloquial, meaning to get going or to start right away)

Antonyms:

• enden ↗ (to end)
• aufhören ↗ (to stop or cease)
• beenden ↗ (to finish or complete)
• abschließen ↗ (to conclude or finalize)