aufstocken

The German word "aufstocken" is a verb composed of:

• "auf" (up), and
• "stocken" (to stock, to stop or slow down).

In combination, "aufstocken" means "to increase," "to top up," or "to add to" something—commonly used when referring to raising amounts, stocks, personnel, or funds.

Similar words:

• "erhöhen" (to raise, increase)
• "aufbauen" (to build up)
• "auffüllen" (to refill)

Difference:

• "aufstocken" emphasizes adding extra to an existing amount or stock, focusing on supplementing or topping up.
• "erhöhen" is more general for increasing and doesn’t necessarily imply topping up an existing level.
• "aufbauen" implies constructing or building up gradually rather than just increasing one time.
• "auffüllen" relates specifically to refilling something that was depleted rather than increasing beyond original levels.