anzutreten

Anzutreten is a German verb formed from the prefix an- and the verb treten (to step). It means to begin, to undertake, or to set out with an action, such as entering a contest, starting a journey, or taking up a task. The sense centers on initiation and commitment rather than mere appearance.

The word is used with a direct object referring to the undertaking, for example eine neue Aufgabe anzutreten (to undertake a new task), eine Reise anzutreten (to embark on a journey), einen Kampf anzutreten (to take on a fight), or eine Karriere anzutreten (to begin a career). It can appear in formal, literary, or journalistic language. In everyday speech speakers often use synonyms like beginnen, anfangen, übernehmen, or auf sich nehmen.

Morphology and related forms: anzutreten is the infinitive form used in constructions with other verbs, such as planen, beschließen, or bereit sein, an einer Aufgabe teilzunehmen. The finite forms follow the regular pattern of treten with prefixes, for example ich trete an, du trittst an, er tritt an; perfect forms use sein with angetreten. The noun Antreten exists as a related term in contexts like presenting oneself for service or for a march.

Notes: anzutreten is commonly chosen when the emphasis is on taking up an undertaking rather than merely appearing. It contrasts with antreten, which often means to report for duty or to present oneself at a unit or event. Overall, anzutreten remains a standard, somewhat formal option for expressing initiation of activities or challenges.