to refresh / brush up
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to brush up
To reactivate and renew something that one used to know or be able to do. This often refers to knowledge, skills, or memories.
Ich muss vor der Reise mein Französisch wieder etwas auffrischen.
I need to brush up my French a little before the trip.
to refresh
To make something look or feel fresh, new, or more lively again. This can refer to colors, rooms, appearance, or even drinks.
Mit einem neuen Anstrich wollen wir das Wohnzimmer auffrischen.
We want to refresh the living room with a new coat of paint.
to freshen
Refers to the wind when it increases in strength. It can be used reflexively ('sich auffrischen') or non-reflexively.
Laut Wetterbericht wird der Wind am Nachmittag an der Küste deutlich auffrischen.
According to the weather report, the wind will freshen noticeably on the coast in the afternoon.
'Auffrischen' (to refresh/brush up) 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.
Ich frische vor dem Urlaub meine Italienischkenntnisse auf.
I brush up my Italian skills before the vacation.
This meaning is almost always used in relation to knowledge, skills, or social contacts. Typical objects are 'Kenntnisse' (knowledge/skills), 'eine Sprache' (a language), 'Erinnerungen' (memories), or 'eine Freundschaft' (a friendship).
Wir haben uns nach langer Zeit getroffen, um unsere Freundschaft aufzufrischen.
We met after a long time to refresh our friendship.
The verb can be used reflexively: 'sich auffrischen' means to tidy up one's appearance again, e.g. to wash or comb one's hair briefly.
Nach der langen Zugfahrt wollte ich mich im Hotel erst einmal auffrischen.
After the long train ride, I first wanted to freshen up at the hotel.
In connection with the weather, 'auffrischen' (to freshen) has a very specific meaning: the wind gets stronger. People often say: 'Der Wind frischt auf.' (The wind is freshening.)
Am Abend soll der Wind stark auffrischen.
In the evening, the wind is expected to freshen strongly.
to repeat / retrieve
Wiederholen means going through study material again and thereby reinforcing it. Auffrischen emphasizes bringing back knowledge that was once available but has since faded. Use wiederholen for regular studying; after a longer break, auffrischen is often more suitable.
Vor ihrer Spanienreise frischt Lea ihre alten Spanischkenntnisse wieder auf.
Before her trip to Spain, Lea brushes up on her old Spanish skills.
Vor dem wöchentlichen Spanischtest wiederholt Lea die neuen Wörter.
Before the weekly Spanish test, Lea reviews the new words.
