der Beginn
beginning
The temporal starting point of an event, action, or period of time. Synonymous with 'der Anfang' (the beginning).
EXAMPLE
Der Beginn des Konzerts ist um 20 Uhr.
The beginning of the concert is at 8 p.m.
der Beginn
beginning
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Beginn' (the beginning) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'beginnen' (to begin). Both words describe the starting point of something and are interchangeable in many contexts.
EXAMPLE
Wir warten auf den Beginn der Vorstellung.
We are waiting for the beginning of the performance.
Fixed expressions
Two very common fixed expressions are 'zu Beginn' (at the beginning) and 'von Beginn an' (from the beginning).
EXAMPLE
Zu Beginn der Veranstaltung gab es eine kurze Begrüßung.
At the beginning of the event, there was a short welcome.
Sentence structure with genitive
To say what is beginning, 'Beginn' (beginning) is very often connected with a noun in the genitive. This structure is typical of written language.
EXAMPLE
Der Beginn des neuen Semesters ist im Oktober.
The beginning of the new semester is in October.
Rather formal use
'Beginn' (beginning) is often used in somewhat more formal or official language for planned events or periods of time.
EXAMPLE
Bitte beachten Sie den geänderten Beginn der Sprechstunde.
Please note the changed beginning time of the office hours.
Compare with
Beginn vs Anfang
beginning
Anfang and Beginn can both refer to the first point in time. Anfang can additionally mean the first, somewhat longer phase and is neutral in everyday language. Beginn often sounds more formal and focuses more strongly on the starting point; typical expressions are „am Anfang“ and „zu Beginn“.
Beginn
Zu Beginn des Kurses begrüßte die Leiterin alle Teilnehmer.
At the start of the course, the instructor welcomed all the participants.
Anfang
Am Anfang des Kurses waren viele Teilnehmer noch unsicher.
At the beginning of the course, many participants were still unsure.
In real life
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