German word

anregen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanˌʁeːgn̩/

Meaning

  • verbprompt

Example

Die Nachricht regt ihn an, sofort zu handeln.

The news prompted him to act immediately.

Illustration for anregen (prompt)

More examples

Der Artikel regt Leser an, ihre Meinung zu überdenken.

The article prompts readers to reconsider their opinions.

Core concept

A small outside impulse sets a person or thought into motion.

Common phrases

  • zum Mitmachen anregen

    encourage participation

  • zur Reflexion anregen

    prompt reflection

  • zu konstruktivem Feedback anregen

    encourage constructive feedback

Similar words

vorschlagen: Suggest a workable plan or method for someone to adopt.
motivieren: Increase someone's desire to act by giving them inner motivation.
anstoßen: Give an event or discussion its first push toward starting.
ermutigen: Boost someone's confidence so action feels easier.

Definition in German

Durch einen Hinweis, Vorschlag oder Reiz jemanden dazu bewegen, etwas zu tun oder über etwas nachzudenken.

Word origin

Anregen combines the separable prefix an- with the inherited Germanic verb regen, meaning 'to move or stir', and expresses setting something in motion.

Usage tips

  • In a finite main clause, anregen separates, as in Die Nachricht regt ihn an; the pattern jemanden zu etwas anregen introduces the resulting action.

Other meanings

  • stimulateverb
  • inspireverb
  • suggestverb
  • promoteverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Anregungstimulusnoun
  • anregendstimulatingadjective

Word lists with this word