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
vorschlagen
to nominate
To recommend or nominate someone for an office, position, or award.
EXAMPLE
Die Professorin wurde für den Forschungspreis vorgeschlagen.
The professor was nominated for the research prize.
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 anbieten
to offer
Anbieten and vorschlagen can both be used to introduce a possible solution. Someone who offers it makes it concretely available; someone who suggests it initially recommends it for consideration. If the solution is already meant as an available option, anbieten is appropriate; for a recommendation, vorschlagen is appropriate.
vorschlagen
Die Beraterin schlug dem Kunden einen sofortigen Austausch vor.
The consultant suggested an immediate replacement to the customer.
anbieten
Die Beraterin bot dem Kunden einen sofortigen Austausch an.
The consultant offered the customer an immediate replacement.
In real life
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