vorschlagen
/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌʃlaːɡən/
Definition
To suggest or propose an idea, plan, or option to someone.
Example
Sie schlug vor, das Meeting auf Montag zu verschieben.
Show translation
She suggested moving the meeting to Monday.
Etymology
From Middle High German *vürschlahen*; a compound of *vor-* ("forward, before") + *schlagen* ("to strike, hit"). The sense of "putting an idea forward" parallels the English "to put forward a proposal."
Cultural note
In German professional and academic culture, making a *Vorschlag* (proposal) is valued as constructive participation. Germans tend to favour concrete, well-reasoned suggestions over vague ones — an offhand "just an idea" carries less social weight than in some other cultures.