01
der Aufbau
structure
The structure, arrangement, or organization of something.
example
Der logische Aufbau des Arguments hat mich überzeugt.
The logical structure of the argument convinced me.
der Aufbau
structure / assembly
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Aufbau' (structure/assembly) is the noun form of the separable verb 'aufbauen' (to build up/set up). It describes both the process of 'Aufbauen' (building up/setting up) and the result, meaning the finished structure.
EXAMPLE
Der Aufbau des Immunsystems dauert bei Kindern mehrere Jahre.
The development of the immune system takes several years in children.
Structure vs. process
'Aufbau' (structure/assembly) can describe an abstract structure (e.g., of a text) or a concrete process (e.g., assembling furniture). The context makes the difference clear.
EXAMPLE
Der Aufbau deiner E-Mail war sehr unklar.
The structure of your email was very unclear.
Typical collocations
When 'Aufbau' (structure) means a structure, it is often combined with abstract things. Typical phrases are 'der Aufbau eines Romans' (the structure of a novel), 'der logische Aufbau eines Arguments' (the logical structure of an argument), or 'der Aufbau einer Zelle' (the structure of a cell).
EXAMPLE
Für die Prüfung müssen wir den Aufbau des menschlichen Herzens lernen.
For the exam, we have to learn the structure of the human heart.
Context: assembly
In the meaning of 'Montage' (assembly) or 'Errichtung' (construction/erection), 'Aufbau' refers to the physical putting together of parts. It is often about furniture, tents, or technical devices.
EXAMPLE
Die Anleitung für den Aufbau des Bettes war sehr kompliziert.
The instructions for assembling the bed were very complicated.
Context: restoration
This meaning often describes large, social processes. It is about restoration after a crisis, e.g., 'der Aufbau einer Region nach einer Naturkatastrophe' (the rebuilding of a region after a natural disaster).
EXAMPLE
Nach seiner langen Krankheit konzentrierte er sich auf den Aufbau seiner Fitness.
After his long illness, he focused on rebuilding his fitness.
Compare with
Aufbau vs Entwicklung
development
'die Entwicklung' and 'der Aufbau' can both have to do with something coming into being. 'Entwicklung' fits when something is planned, changed, or improved over a longer period of time, for example a product or an idea. 'Aufbau' emphasizes more strongly that something is put together step by step, organized, or created again after a crisis. In addition, 'Aufbau' can also mean the structure of something. So 'Entwicklung' focuses more on change and emergence, while 'Aufbau' focuses more on parts, structure, and practical construction or setup.
Aufbau
Beim Aufbau des Zeltes hilft Max seinem Vater.
Max helps his father set up the tent.
Entwicklung
Die Entwicklung der neuen App hat fast ein Jahr gedauert.
The development of the new app took almost a year.
In real life
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