vorschlagen
/foːɐ̯ˈʃlaːɡn̩/
Definition
To suggest or propose an idea, plan, or option to someone.
Example
Ich schlage vor, dass wir morgen früh starten.
Show translation
I suggest that we start early tomorrow.
Etymology
From Middle High German *vürslachen*, a compound of *vor-* ("fore-, in front") + *schlagen* ("to strike, beat"). The semantic shift from "to strike forward" to "to put forward an idea" parallels similar developments in English *propose* (Latin *pro-* + *ponere*, "to place forward").
Cultural note
German workplace and social culture tends toward explicit, structured proposals — *vorschlagen* is the go-to verb in meetings, emails, and negotiations. Note that it is a separable verb: in main clauses the prefix *vor-* splits off and moves to the end (*Ich schlage das vor*), while in subordinate clauses the verb reunites (*weil ich das vorschlage*).