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Rubrica di Dietz

文法の投稿シリーズ2 - starting with / angefangen mit

Nov 10, 2024

When we are in a situation where we need to give examples from a group, or highlight a main point from a set of options, we tend to use the "starting with" grammar. This corresponds to the German phrase "angefangen mit".

Returning to the idea that you're discussing something and want to present an important point from a group of noteworthy information, you might use this structure either due to time constraints or simply as a way to introduce your examples, starting with a key point.

For example:

In Japan, there are many big mountains, starting with the famous Mount Fuji.

With the "starting with" grammar, it's clear that just one point from many possible ones is selected, and this one (perhaps the most important) is presented to the listener.

The nice thing about learning German when you already know English is that both languages have a lot in common, such as word order, grammar structures, and more.

The German sentence is quite similar:

In Japan gibt es viele Berge, angefangen mit dem berühmten Berg Fuji.

Is the Japanese structure much different?

日本には有名な富士山をはじめ、高い山が多いです。