an|stimmen
Translation
to strike up, to start singing
Examples
Er stimmte ein fröhliches Lied an.
He struck up a cheerful song.
Die Menge stimmte die Nationalhymne an.
The crowd started singing the national anthem.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to strike up (sth.) The fans struck up a song.
Similar Words
beginnen zu singen (to begin to sing), anspielen (to start playing)
Etymology
From an- (start) + stimmen (to tune, from 'Stimme' - voice). Literally 'to start the voice/tune'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'an' as 'on' (turning on) and 'Stimme' as 'voice'. To turn on the voice for a song.