an|laufen
Translation
to start up, to get going, to tarnish, to fog up, to call at (a port)
Examples
Der Motor läuft langsam an.
The engine is starting up slowly.
Die Fenster sind angelaufen.
The windows have fogged up.
Das Schiff wird den nächsten Hafen anlaufen.
The ship will call at the next port.
Die Produktion soll nächste Woche anlaufen.
Production is scheduled to start next week.
Grammar Patterns
(subject) starts up Something starts. The film starts at 8 PM.
to call at ((sth.)) To head for a place. The ship calls at the port of Hamburg.
Similar Words
Synonyms: starten, beginnen (to start); beschlagen (to fog up)
Etymology
From the prefix 'an-' (indicating a start or contact) and the verb 'laufen' (to run). Literally 'to run on' or 'to run towards'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a machine 'running on' (starting up) or moisture 'running onto' a surface, causing it to fog up.