Verb

an|schließen

Translation

to connect, to join, to agree, to follow

Schließ bitte den Fernseher an.

Please connect the TV.

Er schloss sich der Reisegruppe an.

He joined the tour group.

Ich kann mich seiner Meinung nicht anschließen.

I cannot agree with his opinion.

((sth.)) ((an+4)) to connect sth. to sth. He connects the printer to the computer.

((sich)) ((j-m/et3)) to join/agree with sb./sth. I agree with your opinion.

Synonyms: verbinden (to connect), beitreten (to join); Antonyms: trennen (to separate)

From the prefix 'an-' (on, at) and the verb 'schließen' (to close, to lock). It literally means 'to lock on' or 'to close onto'.

Imagine 'locking on' a cable to a port, or 'closing' the gap between yourself and a group to join them.