Verb

an|regen

Translation

to stimulate, to encourage, to suggest, to inspire

Diese Diskussion soll zum Nachdenken anregen.

This discussion is intended to stimulate thought.

Er regte an, eine Pause zu machen.

He suggested taking a break.

Kaffee regt den Kreislauf an.

Coffee stimulates the circulation.

((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to encourage sb. to do sth. He encouraged me to think about it.

((sth.)) to suggest sth. He suggested a new method.

stimulieren (to stimulate), vorschlagen (to suggest), inspirieren (to inspire)

From the prefix 'an-' (on, towards) + 'regen' (to stir, to move). Literally 'to stir on'.

Think of turning 'an' (on) a switch that 'regen' (stirs) up thoughts or actions.