Aanslaat

Aanslaat is the third-person singular present tense form of the Dutch verb aanslaan. The verb has several related meanings, spanning physical action, activation of devices, and figurative impact.

In its most literal sense, aanslaan means to strike or hit against something. For example, de bal slaat tegen de muur aan describes a ball hitting the wall. The particle aan in this sense is part of the phrasal verb and is commonly separated in the sentence: de motor slaat aan.

Aanslaan is also used for starting or turning on a device or system. Common examples are de motor slaat aan (the engine starts) and het alarm slaat aan (the alarm goes off). This usage emphasizes initiation or activation rather than a physical impact.

Figuratively, aanslaan can mean that an idea, method, or appeal resonates or takes hold. Bijvoorbeeld, Het plan slaat aan bij de doelgroep means the plan resonates with the target audience or gains traction.

Grammar and etymology: aanslaan is formed with the prefix aan- added to slaan (to strike). It is a separable verb; in present tense the prefix is typically placed as a separate word (slaat aan). In past tense, forms such as sloeg aan are used for the simple past, and the past participle is aangeslagen, which can also describe being emotionally affected (iemand is aangeslagen door het nieuws).

Related terms include aanslag (attack or onset) and woorden zoals aanslagpunt (onset point) in specialized contexts. Aanslaan thus covers both concrete actions and abstract effects in Dutch, with use extending from physical contact to activation and metaphorical impact.