01
aufbringen
to raise
To obtain or provide needed financial means or resources.
example
Die Gemeinde muss eine hohe Summe aufbringen, um die Schule zu sanieren.
The municipality has to raise a large sum to renovate the school.
aufbringen
to raise / upset
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufbringen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' comes at the end in a main clause, stays attached to the verb in a subordinate clause, and in the infinitive 'zu' comes between them.
EXAMPLE
Er bringt die nötige Geduld für dieses Projekt auf.
He musters the necessary patience for this project.
Context clue: object
The meaning of 'aufbringen' is best recognized by its object. If it is money or means, it is about obtaining or raising something. If the object is a person, it is about anger. With a door, it is about opening, and with paint, it is about applying.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma konnte die finanziellen Mittel nicht mehr aufbringen.
The company could no longer raise the financial means.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'aufbringen' is often combined with abstract resources. Typical phrases are: 'Geld aufbringen' (to raise money), 'die Kosten aufbringen' (to cover the costs), 'Geduld aufbringen' (to muster patience), or 'Verständnis aufbringen' (to show understanding).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann für sein Verhalten kein Verständnis aufbringen.
I can't show any understanding for his behavior.
Sentence structure with anger
When 'aufbringen' means 'ärgern' (to annoy/upset), the person who becomes angry is always the accusative object of the sentence. The thing or person causing the anger is the subject.
EXAMPLE
Diese Ungerechtigkeit bringt mich wirklich auf.
This injustice really upsets me.
Compare with
aufbringen vs öffnen
to open
'öffnen' and 'aufbringen' can both mean that something closed is opened. 'öffnen' is the normal and neutral word for doors, windows, bottles, or books. 'aufbringen' only fits in special situations when something is locked or closed and you open it with effort, tools, or force. In everyday life, you almost always say 'öffnen'. 'aufbringen' sounds stronger and often somewhat more formal or technical.
aufbringen
Die Feuerwehr musste die verschlossene Tür mit Werkzeug aufbringen.
The fire department had to force open the locked door with tools.
öffnen
Am Abend öffnet der Gast vorsichtig die Balkontür.
In the evening, the guest carefully opens the balcony door.
In real life
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