Anfang

Anfang is a German noun meaning the beginning or start of something. It denotes the point in time, sequence, or process where something begins, as well as the origin or initial cause of a phenomenon. In everyday language it is used for concrete moments (the beginning of a journey) and for abstract concepts (the beginning of an era).

Etymology: The word is historically linked to the verb anfangen, “to begin.” The noun appears in older German texts as anfang or anfâng, formed with the prefix an- and a base related to fangen “to seize” or “to take hold,” conveying the sense of taking hold at the outset.

Usage: Common phrases include am Anfang (at the beginning), von Anfang an (from the very start), and der Anfang eines Textes (the opening of a text). In philosophy and theology, Anfang is used to discuss origins, inception, and creation, and in literary contexts it can indicate the initial motif or action that drives a work.

Other notes: As a surname or place name, Anfang can occur in German-speaking regions, though it is uncommon. The related adjective anfänglich means “initial” or “early,” and Anfangs‑ forms appear in compounds such as Anfangszeit (initial period) and Anfangspunkt (starting point).