beginnen
Translation
began, started, commenced
Examples
Der Unterricht begann pünktlich.
The class began on time.
Er begann ein neues Kapitel.
He began a new chapter.
Es begann zu regnen.
It began to rain.
Grammar Patterns
((with sth.)) to begin with sth. He began with the first chapter.
((to-inf)) to begin to do sth. It began to snow.
((sth.)) to begin sth. She began her speech.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anfangen, starten; Antonyms: enden, aufhören
Etymology
From 'be-' and Old High German 'ginnan' (to open). To begin something is to 'open' it.
Memory Tips
It sounds very similar to the English 'began'. This is the simple past tense (Präteritum) for singular subjects like 'he', 'she', 'it'.