German word

anlaufen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanˌlaʊ̯fn̩/

Meaning

  • verbstart up

Example

Der Motor läuft an.

The engine starts up.

Illustration for anlaufen (start up)

More examples

Zum Jahresbeginn wird die Anlage anlaufen.

At the beginning of the year, the plant will start up.

Core concept

A stopped machine shifts into motion and enters its active running phase.

Common phrases

  • zum Jahresbeginn anlaufen

    start up at the beginning of the year

  • auf Hochtouren anlaufen

    start up at full capacity

  • im Hintergrund anlaufen

    start up in the background

Similar words

hochfahren: Reach an operating state during computer or system startup.
anspringen: Start suddenly and begin running.
anfahren: Begin moving from a standstill.
in Betrieb gehen: Become operational and ready for use.

Definition in German

Wenn etwas anläuft, beginnt ein Prozess oder Gerät zu funktionieren.

Word origin

The verb combines the native prefix an- with Germanic laufen, whose older sense was to run, so it developed the meaning of starting movement or operation.

Usage tips

  • As a separable verb, anlaufen becomes läuft ... an in a finite main clause, as in Der Motor läuft an.

Other meanings

  • beginverb

Opposites

  • stillstehenstand stillverb

Related words

  • anlaufendstarting upadjective
  • Anlaufrun-upnoun

Word lists with this word