German word

ankurbeln

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈankʊʁbl̩n/

Meaning

  • verbboost

Example

Die Regierung kurbelt die Wirtschaft an.

The government is boosting the economy.

Illustration for ankurbeln (boost)

More examples

Werbeaktionen sollen den Absatz ankurbeln.

Advertising campaigns are supposed to boost sales.

Core concept

A hand turns a crank, giving a sluggish machine or process enough motion to work faster.

Common phrases

  • Konjunktur ankurbeln

    stimulate economic activity

  • Wirtschaft ankurbeln

    stimulate the economy

  • Absatz ankurbeln

    boost sales

Similar words

fördern: To help growth or activity develop and progress.
beleben: To bring fresh energy and activity back to something stagnant.
anschieben: To get something moving by pushing it with force.
anregen: To prompt new ideas or motivate someone to take action.

Definition in German

etwas aktivieren oder anregen, sodass es mehr Wirkung oder Tempo bekommt

Word origin

Ankurbeln combines separable an- with kurbeln, 'to turn a crank', and extends literal crank operation to stimulating activity.

Usage tips

  • Ankurbeln is separable: Die Regierung kurbelt die Wirtschaft an, but um die Wirtschaft anzukurbeln.

Other meanings

  • activateverb
  • stimulateverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Ankurbelungstimulationnoun
  • ankurbelbarable to be boostedadjective

Word lists with this word