Before you start
Meet aufklären
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
auf- + klären
- auf-
- bringing something into the open or making it clear
- klären
- to clarify
You clarify a matter by bringing its facts into the open.
So aufklären means to clarify, resolve, or inform.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Separable verb: auf·klären
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 clauseWir klären das Missverständnis morgen auf.We will clear up the misunderstanding tomorrow.
Subordinate clauseIch bleibe, weil sie mich aufklärt.I am staying because she is informing me.
Participle: aufgeklärtzu-infinitive: aufzuklären
Forms
How aufklären changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | kläre auf | klärte auf |
| du | klärst auf | klärtest auf |
| er/sie/es | klärt auf | klärte auf |
| wir | klären auf | klärten auf |
| ihr | klärt auf | klärtet auf |
| Sie | klären auf | klärten auf |
Partizip II aufgeklärt · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Der Lehrer klärt das Missverständnis auf.The teacher clears up the misunderstanding.prefix goes to the end
- 2Die Polizei hat den Unfall aufgeklärt.The police solved the accident.Perfekt with haben
- 3Sie fragt, ob der Arzt sie aufklärt.She asks whether the doctor will inform her.verb at the end
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
auf·klären + der Unfall
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use der Unfall as the direct object.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The policedie Polizei have cleared it up.
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 teacherder Lehrer, die Lehrerin explained the problemdas Problem, the childrendas Kind, die Kinder listenedzuhören.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She explained the mistakeder Fehler to him because he was worriedbesorgt.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The doctorder Arzt who explained the testder Test to us was very kindnett.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We must inform them about the newneu rulesdie Regel, die Regeln.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
It is importantwichtig to explain the rulesdie Regel, die Regeln to them.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Could you explain this to me?
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
auf·klären + die Kinder + dass
Your challenge
- 1Use die Kinder as the direct object.
- 2Add a dass-clause with its verb at the end.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What would you like to explain to someone?
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one personal sentence using the target verb.
- 2Say who you would inform and what you would inform them about.