TOPIC · Verbs (Verben)

Distinguish: aufräumen - abräumen - ausräumen; aufmachen-zumachen-anmachen-ausmachen

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After this lesson, learners will understand the meanings and usages of the verbs with the prefixes auf-, ab-, aus-, zu-, an-, and aus-.

In this lesson, we will explore the meanings of various verbs with the prefixes auf-, ab-, aus-, zu-, an-, and aus- in German. These prefixes greatly change the meanings of the verbs and create new actions. Let's begin with the verbs "räumen" and "machen"!

1. The group of verbs: aufräumen - abräumen - ausräumen

VerbMeaningExampleTranslation
aufräumenTo tidy up and organizeI have to clean my room this weekend.I have to clean my room this weekend.
abräumenTo remove everything that is not neededCan you please clear this table?Can you please clear this table?
ausräumenTo remove something from a specific spaceI had to empty all the boxes from my old apartment.I had to empty all the boxes from my old apartment.

The verb "aufräumen" means to bring order to a room or a location. If your room is messy and things are lying around, you have to "aufräumen" it.

The verb "abräumen" is used when items are cleared from a table after a meal, for example.

The verb "ausräumen" describes the action of removing items from a space, making it emptier, such as during a move.

2. The group of verbs: aufmachen - zumachen - anmachen - ausmachen

VerbMeaningExampleTranslation
aufmachenTo open something (not electrical)He opens the window.He opens the window.
zumachenTo close something (not electrical)I close the door.I close the door.
anmachenTo activate an electrical deviceShe turns on the TV.She turns on the TV.
ausmachenTo deactivate an electrical deviceHe turns off the light.He turns off the light.

"Aufmachen" refers to opening things, like windows or doors. The opposite is "zumachen".

"Anmachen" is used to start an electrical device, while "ausmachen" means to turn it off.

These verbs are very useful for discussing everyday actions in daily life!