01
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
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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
starten vs beginnen
to begin
'beginnen' and 'starten' can both mean that something starts. 'beginnen' is more general and often a bit more neutral or formal. 'starten' sounds more dynamic and fits especially well with projects, actions, technology, and programs. With machines or apps, you normally say 'starten', not 'beginnen'. Learners may confuse the words because both are possible with projects or events. As a guide: a course begins, a campaign can start, and you start or launch a computer program.
starten
Nach der Arbeit startet er die App und liest seine Nachrichten.
After work, he launches the app and reads his messages.
beginnen
Vor dem Termin hat er mit der Vorbereitung begonnen.
Before the appointment, he began preparing.
In real life
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