starten vs anfangen

In lesson 5.9 we have "Die Woche startet wolkig" "The week is starting cloudy".

I just wondered, is there a difference between starten and anfangen or are they interchangeable?

This might help:
https://www.confidentgerman.com/anfangen-vs-beginnen-vs-starten/

Okay thanks.

Judging by that site it would seem that beginnen would be more apt.
"Die Woche beginnt wolkig".

Anyway, I don't suppose it would be a big deal in conversation.
Hope to see what Julia or Liss have to say!

Yes, the article says that the words can often be used interchangeably, so the advice given is just general guidance.

Hallo Peter--252 und sfpugh,

First of all, both sentences "Die Woche beginnt wolkig." and "Die Woche startet wolkig." are correct. 

I agree with the given article above. Anfangen is often used when there is the beginning of something new and the  whereas beginnen is often used when talking about a specific starting point (time, date). Anfangen is usually used when talking about general and abstract events whereas beginnen is more about specific events and processes. 
However, anfangen is probably used more often in everyday language and they can often be used interchangeably. It also comes down to personal preferences. 

Starten is usually associated with starting machinery,  cars and electronic devices. 

Viele Grüße
Julia

I have a similar question regarding lesson 1.8 - Ich bin hungrig. When I was practicing German with a German speaking friend, he told me that Ich bin hungrig is not correct. The correct phrase is Ich habe Hunger. I did a search and one of the articles did state that Ich habe Hunger is the more common one while another article states that either expression can be used. Which is it?

If Ich bin hungrig is not common (or should not be used), why is it listed in lesson 1.8?

Hi ClaudetteD2,

both expressions "Ich bin hungrig." and "Ich habe Hunger." meaning "I am hungry." are fine to use. "Ich habe Hunger." is probably  more common to say whereas "Ich bin hungrig."  is slightly more formal. It also depends on your personal preference. 

Tschüss!
Julia

Thank you, Julia, for your prompt response and explanation.