Before you start
Meet aufführen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
auf- + führen
- auf-
- up and onto a stage or before an audience
- führen
- to lead
Lead a play or show onto the stage for an audience.
So aufführen means to perform or put on a play or show.
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 führen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: auf·führen
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 clauseSie führt ein altes Lied auf.She is performing an old song.
Subordinate clauseEr sagt, dass sie ein altes Lied aufführt.He says that she is performing an old song.
Participle: aufgeführtzu-infinitive: aufzuführen
Forms
How aufführen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | führe auf | führte auf |
| du | führst auf | führtest auf |
| er/sie/es | führt auf | führte auf |
| wir | führen auf | führten auf |
| ihr | führt auf | führtet auf |
| Sie | führen auf | führten auf |
Partizip II aufgeführt · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Die Band führt heute ein Lied auf.The band is performing a song today.prefix goes to the end
- 2Wir haben das Stück gestern aufgeführt.We performed the play yesterday.Perfekt with haben
- 3Ich sehe, dass die Liste meinen Namen aufführt.I see that the list includes my name.verb at the end after dass
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
aufführen + der Tanz
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use der Tanz as the thing being performed.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We performed it yesterdaygestern at schooldie Schule.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When the concertdas Konzert endedzu Ende sein, the childrendas Kind, die Kinder performed a songdas Lied.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She stayed homezu Hause bleiben because she had to perform tonightheute Abend.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The playdas Theaterstück that we performed was very funnylustig.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We want to perform it tomorrowmorgen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He practicesüben every dayjeden Tag to perform the songdas Lied wellgut.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Did you perform it for her?
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
aufführen + das Stück + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Start with an obwohl-clause.
- 2Put the verb at the end of that clause.
- 3Use das Stück as the thing being performed.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What would you like to perform for your friends?
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one sentence using aufführen.
- 2Say what you would like to perform.
- 3Say who you would perform it for.