German Conversation · Level 112
45 words
German word
angehen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈangeːən/
Meaning
- verbconcern
Example
Das geht dich nichts an.
That doesn't concern you.
More examples
Er hat beschlossen, das Problem anzugehen.
He has decided to tackle the problem.
Core concept
A movement toward a person, switch, or task brings it into active contact.
Common phrases
ein Problem angehen
tackle a problem
jemanden angehen
concern someone
das Licht angehen
the light comes on
Similar words
betreffen: To affect a particular person or matter.
interessieren: To attract someone's interest.
berühren: To touch someone emotionally or affect their position.
Definition in German
Jemanden oder etwas betreffen; anfangen zu leuchten oder zu funktionieren; eine Aufgabe beginnen oder in Angriff nehmen
Word origin
Angehen combines the separable prefix an- with gehen and developed from the idea of going toward something to meanings involving contact, activation, and engagement.
Usage tips
- In the sense 'concern', angehen takes an accusative object, as in Das geht dich nichts an, not Das geht dir nichts an.