impetus / kickoff / offense
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impetus
The impulse or initiative that sets an action, development, or project in motion.
Der Anstoß zur Gründung des Vereins kam von einer kleinen Gruppe engagierter Bürger.
The impetus for founding the association came from a small group of committed citizens.
kickoff
In sports, especially soccer, the first kick of the ball with which a game or half begins, or with which play resumes after a goal.
Der Anstoß zur zweiten Halbzeit erfolgt in wenigen Minuten.
The kickoff for the second half will take place in a few minutes.
to cause offense
Behavior or a thing that causes anger, outrage, or disapproval in others. Used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'Anstoß erregen' (to cause offense).
Seine provokanten Äußerungen erregten öffentlichen Anstoß.
His provocative remarks caused public offense.
The word 'Anstoß' is the noun form of the verb 'anstoßen' (to bump into/to initiate). The basic idea is to set something in motion through a push or impulse, which can be seen in all its meanings.
Ein kleiner Funke kann den Anstoß für eine große Veränderung geben.
A small spark can provide the impetus for a major change.
In the meaning 'Initiative' (initiative/impetus), the fixed expression 'den Anstoß zu etwas (Dativ) geben' (to provide the impetus for something) is often used. It describes who or what started a development.
Ihre Rede gab den Anstoß zu einer neuen Debatte über das Thema.
Her speech provided the impetus for a new debate on the topic.
This meaning is found almost exclusively in a sports context. Words like 'Spiel' (game), 'Halbzeit' (half), 'Tor' (goal), or the name of a sport, especially 'Fußball' (soccer), are clear signals for it.
Nach dem Tor gab es erneut Anstoß in der Mitte des Spielfelds.
After the goal, there was another kickoff in the middle of the field.
This meaning exists almost only in the fixed expression 'Anstoß erregen' (to cause offense). The subject is the thing or behavior that is perceived negatively.
Sein unhöfliches Verhalten erregte bei den Gästen Anstoß.
His rude behavior caused offense among the guests.
reason / occasion
Anlass is the specific reason or occasion from which an action arises. Anstoß places greater emphasis on the impetus that gets an action or development moving. Use Anlass for the reason and Anstoß for the initiating effect.
Der Vorschlag der Mitarbeiter gab den Anstoß für eine Änderung der Regeln.
The employees’ proposal provided the impetus for changing the rules.
Die vielen Beschwerden waren der Anlass für eine Prüfung der Regeln.
The many complaints were the reason for reviewing the rules.
