verb

aufgeben

give up

Etwas nicht mehr weitermachen oder versuchen; eine Tätigkeit oder ein Ziel beenden.

Definition & meaning

The verb aufgeben has several distinct meanings in German depending on the context:

To quit or surrender: This is the most common usage, meaning to stop doing something because it is too difficult or to admit defeat. It can refer to giving up a habit, a competition, or hope.
To post, mail, or place: It is used when handing something over to an official service or authority. For example, mailing a letter (e-mail, telegram), checking in luggage at an airport, or placing an advertisement in a newspaper.
To assign: In an educational or instructional context, it means to give someone a task or homework to complete.
To abandon: To relinquish ownership or presence in a place, such as giving up an apartment or a business.

Grammar & Word origin

Aufgeben is a strong (irregular) verb with a separable prefix auf-.

Present tense: ich gebe auf, du gibst auf, er/sie/es gibt auf.
Präteritum: ich gab auf.
Perfekt: hat aufgegeben.

The word is a combination of the prefix auf (up/on) and the base verb geben (to give). While it translates literally to "to give up," its range of meaning in German is broader than in English, specifically regarding the formal act of "handing over" tasks or mail.