hochheben
lift
Definition & meaning
The verb hochheben primarily refers to the physical action of lifting someone or something upwards. It implies moving an object from a surface or a lower position to a higher one, usually by using one's hands or arms.
In a more figurative sense, it can occasionally be used to describe the act of praising or extolling someone, though this is less common in everyday language compared to its literal meaning.
Grammar & Word origin
This is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). It is composed of the prefix hoch, meaning high, and the base verb heben, which means to lift or raise.
As a strong verb, it undergoes vowel changes in its principal parts:
- Present: hebt hoch
- Simple Past: hob hoch
- Past Participle: hochgehoben
In a sentence, the prefix "hoch" moves to the end of the clause in the present and simple past tenses, such as in "Ich hebe das Kind hoch."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms for the literal physical action include anheben, heraufheben, and emporheben. If used in a metaphorical sense for praise, synonyms include rühmen or loben.
Antonyms that describe the opposite movement or action include absetzen (to set down), senken (to lower), or herunterlassen (to let down).
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Examples
Kannst du bitte das Buch hochheben?verb
Can you please lift up the book?
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