German word

aufpassen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaʊ̯fˌpasən/

Meaning

  • verbbe careful

Example

Pass auf, das Auto kommt.

Be careful, the car is coming.

Illustration for aufpassen (be careful)

More examples

Im Bus muss ich auf die Tasche aufpassen.

I have to keep an eye on my bag on the bus.

Core concept

Someone stays responsible for a friend's safety while monitoring what is happening around them.

Common phrases

  • auf jemanden aufpassen

    take care of someone

  • auf die Tasche aufpassen

    keep an eye on the bag

Similar words

achten (auf): Pay attention to things or information so important details are not missed.
sich kümmern um: Take personal responsibility for meeting a person's or thing's needs.
betreuen: Care for or manage a person, group, or task continuously and responsibly.
beaufsichtigen: Monitor people or a place to help keep them safe.

Definition in German

aufpassen bedeutet, für das Wohl oder die Sicherheit von jemandem oder etwas verantwortlich zu sein und darauf zu achten

Word origin

German formed aufpassen from auf- and passen; its modern senses extend from paying attention to taking care of a person or thing.

Usage tips

  • Auf jemanden aufpassen means looking after someone, while auf etwas achten more often means paying attention to something.

Other meanings

  • look afterverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Aufpassenpaying attentionnoun
  • aufpassendwatchfuladjective

Word lists with this word