to cut into / bring up
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to cut into
To make the first cut into something, especially food such as a cake, a loaf of bread, or a roast, in order to serve it.
Wer von euch möchte die Geburtstagstorte anschneiden?
Which of you would like to cut into the birthday cake?
to bring up
To bring up a topic or question and begin talking about it, often cautiously or in passing.
In der Besprechung müssen wir unbedingt das Problem der Überstunden anschneiden.
In the meeting, we absolutely have to bring up the problem of overtime.
'Anschneiden' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'an-' goes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and infinitive constructions, the verb stays together.
Der Bürgermeister schneidet die Torte feierlich an.
The mayor ceremoniously cuts into the cake.
The verb consists of the prefix 'an-' and the verb 'schneiden' (to cut). The prefix 'an-' here expresses the beginning of an action. So you begin to cut something—whether literally a cake or figuratively a topic.
Sobald der erste Gast da ist, können wir das Brot anschneiden.
As soon as the first guest arrives, we can cut into the bread.
The figurative meaning is used almost exclusively with abstract nouns that refer to a topic of conversation. Typical combinations are 'ein Thema anschneiden' (to bring up a topic), 'ein Problem anschneiden' (to bring up a problem), or 'eine heikle Frage anschneiden' (to raise a sensitive question).
Er hat während des Abendessens vorsichtig das Thema Gehaltserhöhung angeschnitten.
He cautiously brought up the topic of a salary increase during dinner.
to address / appeal to
Both verbs can be used to bring up a topic or question. “Ansprechen” sounds deliberate and direct. “Anschneiden” refers more to cautiously or casually beginning to discuss something, without necessarily dealing with it in detail right away. Use „ansprechen“ for a deliberate attempt to clarify something, and „anschneiden“ for a cautious introduction.
Beim Kaffee schnitt Mia die heikle Frage nur vorsichtig an.
Over coffee, Mia only cautiously brought up the sensitive question.
Vor dem Gespräch sprach Mia die heikle Frage gezielt an.
Before the conversation, Mia deliberately brought up the sensitive question.
