Before you start
Meet aufbauen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
auf- + bauen
- auf-
- upward, into a higher or more complete state
- bauen
- to build
You build something upward, layer by layer, until it is established.
So aufbauen means to build up; to set up; to assemble.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on bauen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: auf·bauen
In a main clause the prefix auf splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseEr baut das Regal auf.He assembles the shelf.
Subordinate clause…, weil er das Regal aufbaut.…, because he is assembling the shelf.
Participle: aufgebautzu-infinitive: aufzubauen
Forms
How aufbauen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | baue auf | baute auf |
| du | baust auf | bautest auf |
| er/sie/es | baut auf | baute auf |
| wir | bauen auf | bauten auf |
| ihr | baut auf | bautet auf |
| Sie | bauen auf | bauten auf |
Partizip II aufgebaut · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich baue den Tisch auf.I assemble the table.present, prefix at end
- 2Wir haben das Zelt aufgebaut.We put up the tent.Perfekt with haben
- 3Sie will eine neue Firma aufbauen.She wants to build a new company.modal verb with infinitive
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
aufbauen + der Turm
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Include der Turm.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We built it togetherzusammen last summerletzten Sommer.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When we set up our new kitchendie Küche, our friendsder Freund, die Freunde helped us.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The tableder Tisch that he put together is in our living roomdas Wohnzimmer.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We must set up the tentdas Zelt before it gets darkdunkel.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He hopes to build a goodgut teamdas Team with his brotherder Bruder.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Who is setting up the newneu shelvesdas Regal, die Regale for her?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I would set up the tentdas Zelt in the gardender Garten if it did not rainregnen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
aufbauen + das Zelt + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Start with an obwohl-clause.
- 2Use the Präteritum for aufbauen.
- 3Include das Zelt.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What would you like to build up or set up in your home?
Your challenge
- 1Answer in one sentence using aufbauen.
- 2Say what you would set up and where.