German word

ansprechen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanˌʃpʁɛçən/

Meaning

  • verbtalk to

Example

Ich spreche ihn an.

I talk to him.

Illustration for ansprechen (talk to)

More examples

Im Kurs spreche ich ein Problem an.

In class, I address a problem.

Core concept

Speech reaches a person directly, opens a subject, or touches a person's interest.

Common phrases

  • jemanden ansprechen

    talk to someone

  • ein Problem ansprechen

    address a problem

Similar words

sprechen: Using spoken words to communicate with someone.
reden: Speaking freely in an informal conversation.
anrufen: Contacting someone by phone to begin a conversation.
anreden: Addressing someone with a greeting or title.

Definition in German

Direkt eine Person ansprechen; übertragen ein Thema anschneiden oder bei jemandem Interesse auslösen.

Word origin

The compound ansprechen developed from an- plus sprechen, and its directional meaning supports both addressing a target and turning speech toward a topic or interest.

Usage tips

  • For raising a subject with someone, German uses jemanden auf etwas ansprechen, with the person in the accusative and the topic after auf.

Other meanings

  • addressverb
  • appeal toverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word