German word

anpacken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanˌpakən/

Meaning

  • verbtackle

Example

Wir packen die Aufgabe an.

We are tackling the task.

Illustration for anpacken (tackle)

More examples

Bevor es zu spät ist, packen wir die Arbeit an.

Before it's too late, we get started on the work.

Core concept

A person firmly grips a job and gets it moving toward a solution.

Common phrases

  • die Sache anpacken

    tackle the matter

  • die Arbeit anpacken

    get started on the work

  • konkret anpacken

    tackle concretely

Similar words

angehen: To start addressing a problem or task.
lösen: To find a solution to a problem or challenge.
bearbeiten: To process material or work through an assigned task.
bewältigen: To cope successfully with a difficulty or heavy responsibility.

Definition in German

etwas energisch beginnen und an einer Lösung arbeiten

Word origin

Anpacken is formed from an- and packen, whose basic sense is 'to grasp'; the combination applies this act of taking hold to beginning and handling work.

Usage tips

  • With a person as object, 'jemanden anpacken' usually means to grab or handle that person physically, so the object and context matter.

Other meanings

  • get started onverb
  • handleverb
  • grabverb

Opposites

  • aufschiebenpostponeverb

Related words

  • das Anpackentacklingnoun

Word lists with this word