vorschlagen
/fɔɐ̯ˈʃlaːɡən/
Definition
To suggest or propose an idea, plan, or option to someone.
Example
Sie schlug vor, das Meeting auf Freitag zu verschieben.
Show translation
She suggested moving the meeting to Friday.
Etymology
From *vor-* ("forth, forward") + *schlagen* ("to strike, hit"), originally meaning to put something forward by striking or thrusting. The semantic shift to "suggest" mirrors English *put forward*.
Cultural note
Germans tend to phrase suggestions indirectly in professional settings, often using *Konjunktiv II*: "Ich würde vorschlagen, …" (I would suggest …) — this softens the directness and is considered more polite in workplace communication.