to finish eating / use up
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to finish eating
To eat something completely until nothing is left. Often used as an instruction or request.
Wenn du deinen Teller nicht aufisst, gibt es keinen Nachtisch.
If you don't finish eating what's on your plate, there won't be any dessert.
'Aufessen' (to finish eating/use up) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' goes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Er isst immer seinen ganzen Teller auf.
He always finishes everything on his plate.
The prefix 'auf-' strengthens the verb 'essen' (to eat) and means 'completely' or 'to the end'. So the action is completed fully.
Wir haben die ganze Pizza aufgegessen, es ist nichts mehr übrig.
We ate the whole pizza; there is nothing left.
'Aufessen' (to finish eating) is very often used as an imperative, especially when speaking to children. The form is 'Iss auf!' (Finish eating!).
Iss deinen Brokkoli auf, er ist sehr gesund!
Finish your broccoli; it's very healthy!
Besides its literal meaning, 'aufessen' (to use up) is also used figuratively for financial resources. When the object is 'Ersparnisse' (savings), 'Budget' (budget), or 'Geld' (money), it means that these resources have been completely used up.
Die lange Reise hat einen großen Teil unserer Ersparnisse aufgegessen.
The long trip used up a large part of our savings.
to eat
'essen' and 'aufessen' both have to do with food. 'essen' describes generally that someone takes in food. 'aufessen' means more specifically that you eat everything until nothing is left. Learners may confuse the words because both fit meals. But the difference is important: you can eat something and still leave some behind. If the plate is supposed to be empty, you say 'aufessen'.
Bitte iss dein Gemüse auf, bevor du Nachtisch nimmst.
Please finish your vegetables before you have dessert.
Im Zug esse ich ein belegtes Brötchen.
On the train, I eat a filled roll.