an|regen
Translation
to stimulate, to suggest, to encourage, to inspire
Examples
Kaffee regt den Kreislauf an.
Coffee stimulates the circulation.
Das Buch regt zum Nachdenken an.
The book encourages you to think.
Grammar Patterns
to stimulate ((sth.)) to stimulate (sth.) Coffee stimulates the circulation.
to encourage ((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to encourage (sb.) to (do sth.) The book encourages you to think.
Similar Words
stimulieren (to stimulate), vorschlagen (to suggest), ermutigen (to encourage)
Etymology
From 'an-' (on, towards) and 'regen' (to stir, to move). It means to 'stir on' or 'move towards' action.
Memory Tips
Think of 'stirring on' an idea. The prefix 'an-' often indicates the start of an action, so you are starting to stir someone's thoughts.