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Anfang
/ˈanfaŋ/
beginning
Am Anfang war alles einfach.
At the beginning, everything was easy.
neutral
The point in time or space at which something starts; the first part of an event, process, or period.
Der Anfang des Films war spannend.
The beginning of the movie was exciting.
Von Anfang an habe ich gewusst, dass es funktionieren wird.
From the beginning, I knew it would work.
Often used with 'von' to indicate 'from the start' (e.g., 'von Anfang an').
neutral
The first part of a sequence or series, often implying a gradual development.
Am Anfang des Jahres war es kalt, aber dann wurde es wärmer.
At the beginning of the year, it was cold, but then it warmed up.
Can refer to the start of a process, relationship, or period (e.g., 'Anfang der Woche' = beginning of the week).
Collocations
am Anfangat the beginningvon Anfang anfrom the startAnfang des Jahresbeginning of the yearAnfang der Wochebeginning of the weekAnfang Maiearly May
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Prepositional Phrases
Remember that 'Anfang' often pairs with 'am' (at the) or 'zu' (to the). For example, 'am Anfang' = at the beginning, 'zum Anfang' = to the beginning. The preposition changes based on context.
Gold Rule
Noun Gender
'Anfang' is a masculine noun (der Anfang). Always use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'der lange Anfang', 'ein guter Anfang').
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'anvanc', from Old High German 'anfang', equivalent to 'an' (on, at) + 'fang' (catch, capture). Related to 'fangen' (to catch).
Usage Notes
'Anfang' is a masculine noun in German (der Anfang). It is often used with prepositions like 'am' (at the) or 'zu' (to the) in phrases (e.g., 'am Anfang des Monats' = at the beginning of the month).
Word Breakdown
an
on, at
prepositionfang
catch, capture
nounDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch