anläuft

Anläuft is a German verb with several related meanings, primarily concerning the initiation of movement or a process. It is most commonly translated as "starts," "begins," or "runs." In a literal sense, it can describe an engine or machine starting up, for example, "Der Motor läuft an" meaning "The engine starts." It can also refer to the beginning of a journey or a race, as in "Der Läufer läuft an" which translates to "The runner starts."

Beyond physical motion, anläuft can also describe the commencement of abstract processes or events. For instance, a business venture might "anlaufen," meaning it is beginning or getting underway. Similarly, a plan or project can "anlaufen," indicating its initiation. The word also carries a sense of momentum or progress once the initial action has occurred. Depending on the context, it can imply a smooth start or a tentative one. The precise nuance is often determined by surrounding words and the overall situation being described.