to concern / as regards
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as regards ...
A formal expression used to introduce a topic or refer to it. It means roughly 'with regard to,' 'concerning,' or 'as far as ... is concerned.'
Was die Kosten anbelangt, müssen wir noch eine genaue Kalkulation erstellen.
As far as the costs are concerned, we still need to prepare an exact calculation.
The verb is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'was ... anbelangt' (as regards ...). It introduces a topic and often comes at the beginning of a sentence.
Was deine Frage anbelangt, kann ich sie noch nicht beantworten.
As far as your question is concerned, I can't answer it yet.
The expression 'was ... anbelangt' (as regards ...) forms a subordinate clause. The noun is in the accusative, and the verb 'anbelangt' comes at the end. The following main clause begins with the verb.
Was den neuen Plan anbelangt, bin ich noch skeptisch.
As far as the new plan is concerned, I'm still skeptical.
The expression 'was ... anbelangt' (as regards ...) belongs to formal written language and is often used in business or official texts. In spoken language, it often sounds stiff.
Was die finanziellen Details anbelangt, verweise ich auf den Geschäftsbericht.
As far as the financial details are concerned, I refer you to the annual report.
The direct use of 'anbelangen' in the sense of 'betreffen' (to concern) is very rare and is considered outdated or very elevated. It is now found almost only in old texts.
Diese Angelegenheit belangt mich nicht direkt an.
This matter does not concern me directly.
to concern / affect
'betreffen' and 'anbelangen' can both mean that something has to do with a topic or a person. 'betreffen' is the normal word in everyday life, at work, and in administrative contexts. 'anbelangen' is much more formal and appears especially in the phrase 'was ... anbelangt' (as regards ...), when introducing a topic. Using 'anbelangen' directly in the sense of 'betreffen' sounds rare and elevated. Learners may confuse the words because 'was mich betrifft' and 'was mich anbelangt' are very similar. In normal sentences, 'betreffen' is usually more natural.
Was die Technik anbelangt, brauchen wir noch eine einfache Lösung.
As regards the technology, we still need a simple solution.
Die Änderung im Dienstplan betrifft sie auch am Wochenende.
The change in the duty roster affects her on the weekend too.