an|nagen
Translation
to gnaw at, to nibble at
Examples
Die Maus nagt den Käse an.
The mouse is nibbling at the cheese.
Der Zahn der Zeit nagt an dem alten Gebäude.
The ravages of time are gnawing at the old building.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) annagen to gnaw at sth. The beaver gnaws at the tree trunk.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anknabbern, benagen
Etymology
From the prefix 'an-' (on, at) + 'nagen' (to gnaw). It implies starting to gnaw or gnawing at the surface.
Memory Tips
Picture a rodent ('Nager') gnawing 'at' ('an') a piece of wood. The prefix 'an-' often indicates contact or the beginning of an action.