beginnen vs aanvangen
Dutch word comparison
Listen to beginnen
Listen to aanvangen
| beginnen | aanvangen |
|---|---|
/be-GIN-nen/ verb | //ˈaːnˌvɑŋə(n)// verb |
| to begin; to start | to commence or set about something, often implying initiation of a process |
How they differ
Aanvangen is generally more formal or literary than beginnen and often used in official or written contexts to emphasize the commencement of a process or undertaking, whereas beginnen is more neutral and common in everyday speech.
When to use each
When to use beginnen: Use beginnen for everyday speech and most simple usages of 'to begin'.
When to use aanvangen: Use aanvangen in formal writing, official announcements, or when you want to emphasize the formal commencement of a process or project.
Side-by-side examples
- De cursus zal volgende week beginnen.
(The course will begin next week.) - De cursus zal volgende week worden aangevangen.
(The course will be commenced next week.)
Register & nuance: Aanvangen is more formal or literary than beginnen and is more frequent in written or official Dutch.