01
aufdrehen
to turn up
To open something or increase its power/intensity by turning, e.g. a faucet, the heating, or the volume of a device.
example
Kannst du bitte die Musik etwas lauter aufdrehen?
Can you please turn the music up a bit?
aufdrehen
to turn up / open
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufdrehen' (to turn up / open) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er dreht die Heizung auf.
He turns up the heating.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: With devices (music, heating), it means 'to make louder/stronger'. With containers (bottle, jar), it means 'to open'. Without an object and with a person as the subject, it colloquially means 'to become overactive'.
EXAMPLE
Dreh bitte den Wasserhahn auf.
Please turn on the faucet.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'to become energetic or overactive' is colloquial. It is often used to describe the behavior of children or excited people.
EXAMPLE
Die Welpen drehen immer auf, wenn sie Futter bekommen.
The puppies always get hyper when they get food.
Compare with
aufdrehen vs öffnen
to open
'öffnen' and 'aufdrehen' can both mean that something is opened. 'öffnen' is the general word and fits doors, windows, bottles, books, and many other things. 'aufdrehen' is used when a turning motion is important, for example with a faucet, heating, or a screw cap. It can also mean increasing the volume or heat. Learners may confuse the words because some things can both be opened and turned open. A practical rule: if you have to turn something, 'aufdrehen' is often more precise; otherwise, 'öffnen' usually fits.
aufdrehen
In der Küche dreht Tom den Wasserhahn auf, um die Tasse zu spülen.
In the kitchen, Tom turns on the faucet to rinse the cup.
öffnen
Nach dem Einkauf öffnet Lena die Haustür mit zwei vollen Taschen.
After shopping, Lena opens the front door with two full bags.
In real life
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