01
ansprechen
to approach
To turn to someone in order to start a conversation.
example
Ein Fremder hat mich auf der Straße angesprochen und nach dem Weg gefragt.
A stranger approached me on the street and asked for directions.
ansprechen
to address / appeal to
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Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ansprechen' (to approach/address/appeal to) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end in a main clause; in subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Warum sprichst du sie nicht einfach an?
Why don't you just approach her?
Context clue
The object reveals the meaning: If you 'spricht man eine Person an' (approach a person), you start a conversation. If you 'spricht man ein Thema an' (address a topic), you talk about it. If a thing 'spricht eine Person an' (appeals to a person), they like it.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die neue Kollegin im Flur angesprochen.
He approached the new colleague in the hallway.
Sentence structure
In the meaning of 'gefallen' (to please/appeal to), the thing that is pleasing is the subject of the sentence. The person who likes it is the accusative object.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Lied spricht mich emotional sehr an.
This song appeals to me very much emotionally.
Fixed preposition
In a medical context, 'ansprechen' (to respond) is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative to describe a reaction to a treatment.
EXAMPLE
Die Entzündung spricht gut auf das Antibiotikum an.
The inflammation is responding well to the antibiotic.
Compare with
ansprechen vs Sprache
language
'zur Sprache bringen' (to bring up) and 'ansprechen' (to address / bring up) can both mean that you mention a topic and want to talk about it. 'Ansprechen' is a normal verb and sounds natural in many everyday situations. 'Zur Sprache bringen' is a somewhat fixed expression and emphasizes more strongly that a topic is being introduced into a conversation or discussion. Both are especially suitable for problems, questions, or important points.
ansprechen
Herr Lange spricht das Problem mit der Rechnung direkt an.
Mr. Lange addresses the problem with the invoice directly.
Sprache
Beim Training bringt mein Kollege den Plan für morgen zur Sprache.
During training, my colleague brings up the plan for tomorrow.
In real life
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