01
anlaufen
to start
To begin or start. Often used for programs, films, projects, or machines.
example
Die neue Produktion soll im Herbst anlaufen.
The new production is supposed to start in the fall.
anlaufen
to start / fog up / tarnish
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anlaufen' (to start / fog up / tarnish) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' goes at the end in a main clause, while in a subordinate clause and in the infinitive it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Film läuft am Freitag an.
The new film starts on Friday.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'anlaufen' is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). This is because the verb describes a change of state or a movement.
EXAMPLE
Meine Brille ist sofort angelaufen.
My glasses fogged up immediately.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'start', 'anlaufen' is often used for abstract things. Typical combinations are: ein Projekt läuft an (a project starts), ein Film läuft an (a film starts), die Produktion läuft an (production starts), or ein Programm läuft an (a program starts).
EXAMPLE
Der neue Kurs läuft nächsten Montag an.
The new course starts next Monday.
Context clue: surfaces
You can recognize this meaning from the context of glass or reflective surfaces. Typical subjects are 'die Brille' (the glasses), 'das Fenster' (the window), or 'der Spiegel' (the mirror), which become cloudy because of moisture or temperature differences.
EXAMPLE
Die Fensterscheiben sind im Winter oft angelaufen.
The window panes often fog up in winter.
Context: shipping
When 'anlaufen' is used in the context of shipping, it means 'ansteuern' (to head for / call at). The subject is always a watercraft such as 'ein Schiff' (a ship) or 'eine Fähre' (a ferry), and the destination is often 'ein Hafen' (a port) or 'eine Küste' (a coast).
EXAMPLE
Welche Häfen wird das Schiff auf seiner Reise anlaufen?
Which ports will the ship call at on its journey?
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'to fight against resistance', 'anlaufen' is always used with the preposition 'gegen' and an accusative object. The expression often conveys that the efforts are unsuccessful.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft lief immer wieder gegen die starke Abwehr des Gegners an.
The team kept running up against the opponent's strong defense.
Compare with
anlaufen vs beginnen
to begin
'beginnen' and 'anlaufen' can both express that something starts. 'beginnen' is more general and fits many actions, courses, conversations, or times. 'anlaufen' is used especially often for projects, programs, films, machines, or organized processes. It sounds as if something is getting going. In many situations, the two words can be understood similarly, but 'beginnen' is more neutral and more broadly usable.
anlaufen
Im Büro läuft das neue Programm heute zum ersten Mal an.
At the office, the new program is starting up for the first time today.
beginnen
Nach der kurzen Pause beginnt der Kurs wieder um zehn Uhr.
After the short break, the course begins again at ten o'clock.
In real life
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