starten
to start
To begin an activity, process, or event.
EXAMPLE
Wir starten das Projekt nächste Woche.
We are starting the project next week.
starten
to start
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Meanings
starten
to take off
To begin a journey, especially by airplane, rocket, or ship.
EXAMPLE
Das Flugzeug startet pünktlich um 10 Uhr.
The plane takes off on time at 10 o'clock.
starten
to start
To put an engine or machine into operation.
EXAMPLE
Mein Auto will bei dieser Kälte nicht starten.
My car doesn't want to start in this cold.
starten
to launch
To open and run a computer program or application.
EXAMPLE
Du musst zuerst das Programm starten, bevor du die Datei öffnen kannst.
You have to launch the program first before you can open the file.
starten
to compete
To take part in a sports competition, especially a race.
EXAMPLE
Die Athletin startet morgen im 100-Meter-Lauf.
The athlete is competing in the 100-meter race tomorrow.
Usage tips
Auxiliary verb: hat or ist?
The perfect tense is formed with 'hat' when you begin an action (e.g., an engine, a project). You use 'ist' when a movement begins (e.g., an airplane) or when someone takes part in a competition.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ein neues Unternehmen gestartet.
She started a new company.
Origin of the word
'Starten' (to start) is a loanword from English ('to start'). However, it is conjugated like a normal German verb: startet, startete, gestartet.
EXAMPLE
Wann startet der Film?
When does the film start?
Meaning through context
The exact meaning of 'starten' (to start) becomes clear through the object or the context. Pay attention to whether it is about a project, a vehicle, a device, a program, or a sports competition.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann das Programm auf meinem Computer nicht starten.
I can't launch the program on my computer.
Transitive and intransitive
With engines or devices, 'starten' can be used transitively (with an accusative object) or intransitively (without an object). You can say 'den Motor starten' (start the engine), or 'der Motor startet' (the engine starts) by itself.
EXAMPLE
Er startet jeden Morgen um 7 Uhr sein Auto.
He starts his car every morning at 7 o'clock.
Prepositions in sports
When athletes take part in a competition, 'starten' is often combined with the prepositions 'bei' + dative (for the event) or 'in' + dative (for the discipline).
EXAMPLE
Der Schwimmer startet bei der Weltmeisterschaft in der Disziplin Schmetterling.
The swimmer is competing at the world championship in the butterfly discipline.
Compare with
beginnenanfangenöffnenangehenausführenantretenaufrufenauflegenanfahrenabhebenloslegenlosfahrenanlaufenlancierentriggernanschalten
starten vs beginnen
to begin
Beginnen and starten can both express the start of an activity, process, or event. Beginnen is neutral, while starten often sounds more dynamic, technical, or informal in organizational contexts. Use beginnen for a matter-of-fact statement; starten is also possible when the tone is active or modern.
starten
Das Projekt startet am Montag mit einem ersten Treffen.
The project starts on Monday with an initial meeting.
beginnen
Das Projekt beginnt am Montag mit einem ersten Treffen.
The project begins on Monday with an initial meeting.
In real life
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