Before you start
Meet aufgeben
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
auf- + geben
- auf-
- away or off, suggesting something is set aside
- geben
- to give
You give something up by setting it aside and no longer holding on to it.
So aufgeben means to give up; to quit.
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 geben
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: auf·geben
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 clauseIch gebe den Brief morgen auf.I’ll post the letter tomorrow.
Subordinate clause…, weil ich den Brief heute aufgebe.…, because I’m posting the letter today.
Participle: aufgegebenzu-infinitive: aufzugeben
Forms
How aufgeben changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | gebe auf | gab auf |
| du | gibst auf | gabst auf |
| er/sie/es | gibt auf | gab auf |
| wir | geben auf | gaben auf |
| ihr | gebt auf | gabt auf |
| Sie | geben auf | gaben auf |
Partizip II aufgegeben · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich gebe heute nicht auf.I’m not giving up today.prefix goes to the end
- 2Wir haben ein Paket bei der Post aufgegeben.We posted a parcel at the post office.Perfekt with haben
- 3Du musst nicht so schnell aufgeben.You don’t have to give up so quickly.modal verb with infinitive
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
aufgeben + der Plan
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use der Plan as the thing being given up.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I gave it up after two weeksdie Woche, die Wochen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When my fatherder Vater gave up smokingdas Rauchen, he felt bettergut.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She gave up her jobder Job · die Arbeit (work) because she had no time.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The teamdas Team that gave up the gamedas Spiel was tiredmüde.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
You must not give up now, even if it is difficultschwierig.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He gave up his placeder Platz on the teamdas Team to helphelfen his brotherder Bruder.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Would you give up your holidayder Urlaub to helphelfen them?
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:
aufgeben + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Start with an obwohl-clause.
- 2Use the present tense and include aufgeben.
- 3Say that she does not give up.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What would you never give up? Answer in one German sentence.
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one German sentence.
- 2Use aufgeben in the Konjunktiv II.
- 3Name something you would never give up.