Anfangen (To Begin) German Verb Conjugations

Anfangen is a strong (irregular) verb that means to begin or start. As a strong verb, it doesn't follow a strict rule and you will need to memorize how it is conjugated in its different tenses. 

In addition, the verb anfangen is a separable prefix verb. That means that its prefix (an-) separates when the verb is conjugated, even in its past participle form (angefangen). There are cases where the prefix does not separate. These include the infinitive form such as with modals in the future tense, in dependent clauses, and in the past participle (with ge-).

While a separable prefix may seem confusing, keep in mind that it is like English verbs such as "fill in," "clear out," etc. The difference is that in English the second word can come either right after the verb or at the end of the sentence. In German, it usually comes only at the end of the sentence.

Sample Sentences With the Separable-Prefix Verbanfangen, to begin, start

Present Tense

Wann fangen Sie an? - When do you begin?

Ich fange heute an. - I start today.

Present Perfect Tense

Wann haben sie angefangen? - When did they begin?

Past Perfect Tense

Wann hatten Sie angefangen? - When had you begun?

Past Tense

Wann fingen wir an? - When did we begin?

Future Tense

Wir werden wieder anfangen. - We will begin again.

With Modals

Können wir heute anfangen? - Can we begin today?

AnfangenPresent Tense - Präsens

Examples Using the Present Tense of Anfangen

Wann fangen Sie an?
When do you start?

Die Vorstellung fängt um sechs Uhr an.
The performance begins at six o'clock.

AnfangenSimple Past Tense - Imperfekt

AnfangenCompound Past Tense (Present Perfect) - Perfekt

AnfangenPast Perfect Tense - Plusquamperfekt