an|rollen
Translation
to approach, to start rolling, to roll up
Examples
Eine Welle rollt an den Strand an.
A wave rolls up to the beach.
Die Protestwelle rollt an.
The wave of protests is approaching.
Das Auto rollte langsam an.
The car slowly started rolling.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) rolls up ((to sth.)) sth. approaches sth. by rolling A car rolled up to the house.
Similar Words
sich nähern (to approach), herankommen (to come near), beginnen (to begin)
Etymology
From the prefix an- (towards, at) + rollen (to roll). Literally 'to roll towards'.
Memory Tips
Picture something, like a ball, 'rolling' 'at' (an-) you or a destination. This captures the sense of approach.