verb
aufpassen
pay attention · look after
Bedeutet, aufmerksam zu sein und auf etwas oder jemanden zu achten, um nichts zu übersehen oder einen Fehler zu vermeiden.
The German word "aufpassen" is a separable verb made of the words:
- auf (on/up)
- passen (to fit/to pay attention)
Meaning: "to pay attention," "to watch out," or "to take care".
Similar words:
- achten (to pay attention)
- beobachten (to observe/watch)
- überwachen (to supervise)
Difference:
- aufpassen often implies actively watching or being cautious (e.g., "pass auf!"/"watch out!"), usually in everyday contexts.
- achten is more general for paying attention or respecting.
- beobachten is more about observing carefully or over time.
- überwachen implies supervision or monitoring, often formally or professionally.
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Examples
Du musst im Verkehr immer aufpassen.verb
You must always pay attention in traffic.
Du musst gut aufpassen.verb
You have to pay attention.
Anna muss auf ihren Hund aufpassen.verb
Anna has to look after her dog.
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