suggestion / stimulation
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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.
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
'die Idee' and 'die Anregung' can both be a thought that leads to something new. An 'Idee' is something you have yourself, or it describes a possible plan. An 'Anregung' often comes from outside and gets someone to think further or try something out. That is why 'Anregung' often sounds like a friendly suggestion, especially in conversations, courses, or feedback. Learners may confuse the words because an Anregung can also be a kind of idea. The difference is: 'Idee' is the thought itself; 'Anregung' is the impulse for others.
Nach der Anregung der Kundin ändert der Verkäufer die Präsentation im Laden.
After the customer's suggestion, the salesperson changes the presentation in the store.
Er hat eine gute Idee, wie wir die Wartezeit verkürzen können.
He has a good idea for how we can shorten the waiting time.