an|fahren
Translation
to drive up to, to set off, to run into, to tell off
Examples
Der Bus fährt die Haltestelle an.
The bus is driving up to the bus stop.
Der Zug fährt langsam an.
The train is slowly setting off.
Ein Auto hat einen Radfahrer angefahren.
A car ran into a cyclist.
Warum fährst du mich so an?
Why are you telling me off like that?
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) anfahren to drive up to (sth.) The bus is driving up to the bus stop.
((sb./sth.)) anfahren to run into (sb./sth.) with a vehicle A car ran into the cyclist.
((sb.)) anfahren to tell (sb.) off Why are you telling me off?
Similar Words
Etymology
Composed of 'an-' (at, towards) + 'fahren' (to drive). It literally means 'to drive at' something.
Memory Tips
Picture a car 'driving at' ('anfahren') a target. This can be gentle (approaching), abrupt (starting off), violent (hitting), or verbal (snapping at).