an|steuern
Translation
to head for, to steer towards, to target, to access
Examples
Das Schiff steuert den Hafen an.
The ship is heading for the harbour.
Man kann die Funktion über das Menü ansteuern.
You can access the function via the menu.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ansteuern to head for (sth.) The ship is heading for the harbour.
((sth.)) ansteuern to access (sth.) You can access the function via the menu.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anfahren, zusteuern auf; (IT) zugreifen auf (to access)
Etymology
From 'an-' (towards) + 'steuern' (to steer). Literally 'to steer towards'.
Memory Tips
Picture 'steering' a ship 'an' (towards) a harbour. The IT meaning is a modern extension of this idea of targeting something.