an|stoßen
Translation
to bump into, to toast, to initiate, to nudge
Examples
Ich habe mich am Tisch angestoßen.
I bumped myself on the table.
Wir stoßen auf deinen Erfolg an.
We'll toast to your success.
Sie hat eine wichtige Diskussion angestoßen.
She initiated an important discussion.
Grammar Patterns
((sich.acc)) ((an+dat)) anstoßen to bump oneself on sth. I bumped myself on the corner.
((auf+acc)) anstoßen to toast to sth. We are toasting to the bridal couple.
((sth.acc)) anstoßen to initiate sth. He initiated a reform.
Similar Words
Synonyms: berühren (to touch), initiieren (to initiate), anregen (to stimulate)
Etymology
From the prefix 'an-' (at, against) and the verb 'stoßen' (to push, bump). The core idea is 'to push against something'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'pushing' ('stoßen') your glass 'against' ('an') someone else's to make a toast. This extends from physical bumps to initiating ideas.