to set off / start
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to set off
To start moving in order to leave a place; to set out or get going.
Wir sollten jetzt losgehen, wenn wir den Anfang des Films nicht verpassen wollen.
We should set off now if we don't want to miss the beginning of the film.
'Losgehen' (to set off / start) is a separable verb. The prefix 'los-' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Wir gehen in fünf Minuten los.
We're setting off in five minutes.
The prefix 'los-' often signals a start, a release, or the beginning of an action. It gives the base verb 'gehen' (to go) the meaning of starting or setting off.
Sobald das Signal ertönt, können wir losgehen.
As soon as the signal sounds, we can set off.
The exclamation 'Jetzt geht's los!' (Here we go! / Now it starts!) is a very common expression. It is used to announce the beginning of an activity, a party, or even a problem.
Die Band kommt auf die Bühne. Jetzt geht's los!
The band is coming onto the stage. Here we go!
In this meaning, the subject of the sentence is typically a device or weapon that suddenly makes a noise. Common subjects are 'die Alarmanlage' (the alarm system), 'der Wecker' (the alarm clock), 'der Schuss' (the shot), or 'die Bombe' (the bomb).
Als ich die Tür öffnete, ging sofort der Alarm los.
When I opened the door, the alarm immediately went off.
When 'losgehen' (to go at someone) describes an attack, it is always used with the preposition 'auf' followed by the person or thing being attacked in the accusative.
Die beiden Männer sind nach einem Streit aufeinander losgegangen.
The two men went at each other after an argument.
When something comes loose unintentionally, the subject is often a knot, a button, or a shoelace. Here, the verb describes a passive event in which something opens by itself.
Binde deine Schuhe neu, ein Schnürsenkel ist schon fast losgegangen.
Tie your shoes again; one shoelace has almost come undone.
to begin
'beginnen' and 'losgehen' can both mean that something starts. 'beginnen' sounds neutral to somewhat more formal and fits well with courses, conversations, appointments, or work. 'losgehen' is more colloquial and is often used for events whose start people are waiting for, such as a party, a film, or a game. In many simple situations, you can use both words, but 'beginnen' sounds more planned and calm, while 'losgehen' sounds livelier and more spoken.
Am Wochenende geht das Stadtfest schon am Nachmittag los.
At the weekend, the town festival already starts in the afternoon.
Der Termin beginnt um neun Uhr im Besprechungsraum.
The appointment begins at nine o'clock in the meeting room.