an|treten
Translation
to start, to take up (a post), to compete, to line up
Examples
Er wird morgen seine neue Stelle antreten.
He will start his new job tomorrow.
Die Mannschaft tritt gegen den Meister an.
The team is competing against the champion.
Wir treten eine lange Reise an.
We are starting a long journey.
Die Soldaten müssen zum Appell antreten.
The soldiers have to line up for roll call.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to start sth. (a job, a journey) He is starting a new job.
((against sb.)) to compete against sb. The athlete is competing against the world champion.
((for sth.)) to line up for sth. The students line up for the sports lesson.
Similar Words
Etymology
Comes from 'an-' (on, to) and 'treten' (to step, tread). It literally means 'to step up to' something, like a starting line or a new role.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'stepping' (treten) 'up to' (an) a challenge, a new job, or a competition.