anfangen
Wann fängst du mit dem Projekt an?
When are you starting the project?
to begin doing something; to initiate an action
Ich fange gleich an zu arbeiten.
I’m starting to work right away.
Der Film fängt um 20 Uhr an.
The movie starts at 8 PM.
Used for both actions and events. Often followed by 'mit' (with) when indicating the object of the action.
to begin, to commence (in a general sense)
Die Schule fängt im September an.
School starts in September.
Er hat eine neue Arbeit angefangen.
He started a new job.
Can be used reflexively ('sich anfangen') in some contexts, but this is rare.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Separable verb tip
Remember that 'anfangen' is separable. In main clauses, the prefix 'an-' moves to the end: 'Ich fange an' (I start) → 'Ich fange das Buch an zu lesen' (I start reading the book).
Gold Rule
When to use 'anfangen' vs 'beginnen'
'Anfangen' is more colloquial and common in everyday speech, while 'beginnen' is slightly more formal. Both can often be used interchangeably, but 'anfangen' is preferred for actions or processes ('Ich fange an zu arbeiten'), whereas 'beginnen' can also refer to more abstract or formal starts ('Die Konferenz beginnt um 9 Uhr').
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'anvāhen', from Old High German 'anafāhan' (to seize, take hold of), from Proto-Germanic '*fāhaną' (to seize). Related to English 'to catch' and 'to take'.
Usage Notes
Anfangen is a separable verb (prefix 'an-' separates in main clauses: 'Ich fange an' → 'Ich fange das Buch an zu lesen'). Common in spoken German. The past participle is 'angefangen'.