anfangen is a German verb meaning “to start” or “to begin.” It is a stem-changing verb (also called a boot verb) used for actions that are started or begun, and it’s most commonly employed for events, processes, or activities that get going.
- Meaning: to start, to begin
- Verb type: stem-changing (e → i)
- Infinitive: anfangen
- Key usage: starting something new, both in everyday and formal contexts
- Related forms: der Anfang (noun, “the beginning”)
Anfangen means 'to start' or 'to begin'.
Conjugation
As a stem-changing verb, anfangen changes its stem vowel from e to i in the du and er/sie/es forms in the present tense. It also uses the prefix an- in all forms.
| Person | Present | Simple Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|---|
| ich | fange an | fing an | angefangen (haben) |
| du | fängst an | fingst an* | |
| er/sie/es | fängt an | fing an | |
| wir | fangen an | fingen an | |
| ihr | fangt an | fingt an | |
| sie/Sie | fangen an | fingen an |
\*Note: The past tense forms for du/ihr follow the regular pattern for stem verbs.
- Present stem: fang- (with e→ä change for du/er)
- Past stem: fing-
- Auxiliary: haben
Correct: ich fange an, du fängst an, wir fangen an.
Usage Examples
- Ich fange jetzt an.
(I am starting now.)
- Wann fängt der Film an?
(When does the movie start?)
- Wir haben gestern mit dem Projekt angefangen.
(We started the project yesterday.)
Yes, 'anfangen' is used in both formal and informal contexts.
Exercise
Conjugate anfangen in present tense for all persons.
Write 3 sentences using anfangen in different tenses.
'anfangen' uses 'haben' as its auxiliary verb.
Conclusion
anfangen is essential for expressing beginnings in German and follows a common pattern for stem-changing verbs.
- Use anfangen for starting activities, events, or processes.
- Remember the stem changes (e → ä) for du/er/sie in present tense.
- Use haben + angefangen for the perfect tense.