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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
aufdrehen
to get hyper
Colloquial for becoming very energetic, excited, or overactive, often in a loud or exuberant way.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben nach dem Zucker total aufgedreht und sind durch die Wohnung gerannt.
After the sugar, the kids got totally hyper and ran through the apartment.
aufdrehen
to unscrew / open
To open something that is screwed shut or twisted closed, such as a bottle cap or a screw.
EXAMPLE
Ich bekomme den Deckel von diesem Marmeladenglas einfach nicht aufgedreht.
I just can't get the lid of this jam jar open.
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 aufmachen
to open
Aufmachen generally means opening something that is closed. Aufdrehen is more appropriate when something is opened by turning it, such as a screwed-on lid. Aufmachen fits a door or a letter, while aufdrehen is more suitable for a bottle with a screw cap; depending on the focus, both words can be understood in that context.
aufdrehen
Bitte dreh die Flasche auf, damit wir den Saft einschenken können.
Please unscrew the bottle so we can pour the juice.
aufmachen
Bitte mach die Flasche auf, damit wir den Saft einschenken können.
Please open the bottle so we can pour the juice.
In real life
Loading video examples...