suggestion / stimulation
Loading your saved state.
suggestion
A suggestion, idea, or impulse that gets others to think about something or do something specific.
Vielen Dank für die Anregung, das Restaurant einmal auszuprobieren.
Thank you very much for the suggestion to try the restaurant sometime.
stimulation
The activation or stimulation of something, for example the mind, the circulation, or the imagination.
Ein Spaziergang an der frischen Luft dient der Anregung des Kreislaufs.
A walk in the fresh air helps stimulate the circulation.
The noun 'die Anregung' (suggestion/stimulation) comes from the verb 'anregen' (to stimulate/encourage). The verb 'regen' means 'to move'. The prefix 'an-' reinforces the idea of an impulse, that is, setting something in motion or starting it.
Diese Diskussion soll zum Nachdenken anregen.
This discussion is meant to encourage reflection.
When it is about ideas and suggestions, 'Anregung' (suggestion) often appears in the plural and with verbs like 'geben' (to give), 'bekommen' (to receive), or 'sammeln' (to collect). When it is about physical or mental stimulation, it is usually singular with the genitive, e.g. 'die Anregung des Stoffwechsels' (the stimulation of the metabolism).
Für unser Projekt haben wir viele nützliche Anregungen bekommen.
We received many useful suggestions for our project.
When 'Anregung' means an idea, it is often used in fixed phrases: 'eine Anregung geben' (to make a suggestion), 'Anregungen aufgreifen' (to take up suggestions), or 'auf Anregung von jemandem' (at someone's suggestion).
Auf Anregung der Mitarbeiterin wurde die Mittagspause verlängert.
At the employee's suggestion, the lunch break was extended.
In the meaning 'Stimulierung' (stimulation), 'Anregung' is often combined with physical or mental processes. Typical examples are 'die Anregung des Kreislaufs' (the stimulation of the circulation), 'die Anregung des Appetits' (the stimulation of the appetite), or 'die Anregung der Fantasie' (the stimulation of the imagination).
Ein gutes Buch ist die beste Anregung für die Fantasie.
A good book is the best stimulation for the imagination.
idea
Eine Idee refers to the thought itself, for example for a solution or a design. Anregung (suggestion or stimulus) emphasizes that a communicated thought gets others to think or act. When the focus is on the content, Idee fits; when its effect as a stimulus for thought is central, Anregung fits.
Noras Hinweis gab uns die Anregung, über eine Bank im Hof nachzudenken.
Nora's suggestion prompted us to think about putting a bench in the courtyard.
Nora hatte die Idee, im Hof eine Bank aufzustellen.
Nora had the idea of putting a bench in the courtyard.
