01
anfahren
to start moving
To start driving or moving from a standstill with a vehicle (e.g., car, train).
example
Der Bus fuhr an der Haltestelle langsam an.
The bus slowly started moving at the stop.
anfahren
to start moving / approach
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anfahren' is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Zug fährt pünktlich um 8:05 Uhr an.
The train starts moving on time at 8:05.
Auxiliary verb in the perfect tense
The auxiliary verb in the perfect tense depends on the meaning. For 'losfahren' (to start moving/driving), which indicates movement, 'sein' is used. For all other meanings (to head for, to shout at, to collide with), 'haben' is used.
EXAMPLE
Der LKW ist langsam angefahren.
The truck started moving slowly.
Context clue
The object helps you recognize the meaning. Without an object, it means 'losfahren' (to start moving). With a place as the object, it means 'ansteuern' (to head for). With a person as the object, it can mean 'anschreien' (to shout at) or 'anstoßen' (to hit/collide with), which the context clarifies.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben auf unserer Reise mehrere kleine Städte angefahren.
We drove to several small towns on our trip.
Often in the passive
In the meaning of 'to hit someone/something with a vehicle', the passive is often used, especially in news reports or accident reports. The person or thing that was hit then becomes the subject.
EXAMPLE
Ein Fußgänger wurde an der Kreuzung von einem Auto angefahren.
A pedestrian was hit by a car at the intersection.
Compare with
anfahren vs anhalten
to stop / continue
'anhalten' and 'anfahren' form a clear opposite pair with vehicles. 'anhalten' means that a vehicle slows down and stops. 'anfahren' means that a vehicle starts moving from a standstill. So both words fit the same traffic situation, but at different moments: first a car stops, later it starts moving again.
anfahren
Als die Ampel grün wurde, fuhr das Auto langsam an.
When the traffic light turned green, the car slowly started moving.
anhalten
Vor dem Zebrastreifen muss der Bus anhalten.
The bus has to stop before the crosswalk.
In real life
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