01
vorschlagen
to suggest
To present an idea, plan, or action to someone for consideration or acceptance.
example
Ich schlage vor, dass wir uns morgen um 10 Uhr treffen.
I suggest that we meet tomorrow at 10 o'clock.
vorschlagen
to suggest
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Vorschlagen' (to suggest/nominate) is a separable verb. The prefix 'vor-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er schlägt einen neuen Termin vor.
He suggests a new appointment.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'vor-' (forward) and the verb 'schlagen' (to hit/strike). The literal meaning is not directly obvious, but you can imagine it as 'bringing an idea forward' or 'putting it up for discussion'.
EXAMPLE
Was schlägst du für das Abendessen vor?
What do you suggest for dinner?
Sentence structure for ideas
When suggesting an action, there are two very common sentence patterns: with a 'dass' clause or with a 'zu' infinitive construction. The person to whom you suggest something is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ich schlage dir vor, dass wir eine Pause machen.
I suggest to you that we take a break.
Sentence structure for nominations
When you nominate a person for a position or prize, you use the structure: 'jemanden (Akkusativ) für etwas (Akkusativ) vorschlagen' (to nominate someone for something).
EXAMPLE
Das Komitee hat sie für den Nobelpreis vorgeschlagen.
The committee nominated her for the Nobel Prize.
Compare with
vorschlagen vs nahe
near / close
'nahe legen' and 'vorschlagen' both have to do with an idea or action that someone mentions to another person. 'vorschlagen' means that you introduce an idea, and the other person can accept or reject it. 'nahe legen' is stronger: you are not just giving an idea, but clearly recommending something. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in conversations about plans or decisions. For open-ended ideas, 'vorschlagen' fits; for urgent or important advice, 'nahe legen' fits.
vorschlagen
Nach der Arbeit schlägt Tom vor, gemeinsam das Regal aufzubauen.
After work, Tom suggests putting the shelf together.
nahe
Der Lehrer legt den Schülern nahe, vor der Prüfung noch einmal die Grammatik zu üben.
The teacher strongly recommends that the students practice the grammar again before the exam.
In real life
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