an|packen
Translation
to tackle, to get a grip on, to lend a hand
Examples
Wir müssen das Problem jetzt anpacken.
We have to tackle the problem now.
Kannst du bitte mit anpacken?
Can you please lend a hand?
Er packte den schweren Koffer an.
He grabbed the heavy suitcase.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to tackle sth. We have to anpacken the problem.
mit anpacken to lend a hand Could you mit anpacken for a moment?
Similar Words
Synonyms: angehen, in Angriff nehmen; Antonyms: aufgeben, vermeiden
Etymology
From the prefix 'an-' (on, at) and 'packen' (to pack, seize). It literally means 'to seize on' or 'to get a grip on' something.
Memory Tips
Imagine you are 'packing on' to a task, getting a firm grip to start working. Or think of 'packing' a problem into a box to deal with it.