01
aufführen
to perform
To present a play, a piece of music, or a dance before an audience.
example
Die Theater-AG wird nächstes Wochenende „Faust“ aufführen.
The school theater group will perform 'Faust' next weekend.
aufführen
to perform / to list
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufführen' (to perform/to list) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' appears at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder führen ein kleines Theaterstück auf.
The children are performing a short play.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'aufführen' (to perform/to list) from the object or the grammar. If it is about art (theater, music), it means 'darbieten' (to present/perform). If it is about information (costs, names), it means 'auflisten' (to list). If the verb is reflexive ('sich aufführen'), it is about behavior.
EXAMPLE
Das Orchester führt eine Symphonie von Mozart auf.
The orchestra is performing a symphony by Mozart.
Typical objects
In the meaning 'darbieten' (to present/perform), 'aufführen' (to perform) is typically combined with artistic works. Common objects are: a play, an opera, a musical, a dance, or a concert.
EXAMPLE
Die Ballettschule führt jedes Jahr den „Nussknacker“ auf.
The ballet school performs 'The Nutcracker' every year.
Reflexive verb
In the meaning 'sich verhalten' (to behave), 'aufführen' is always reflexive. The reflexive pronoun ('sich') must be adapted to the subject of the sentence (ich führe mich auf, du führst dich auf).
EXAMPLE
Warum führst du dich so seltsam auf?
Why are you behaving so strangely?
Negative meaning
The phrase 'sich aufführen' (to behave/act up) almost always has a negative connotation. It describes behavior that is perceived as inappropriate, childish, strange, or embarrassing.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf, dich so aufzuführen, die Leute schauen schon!
Stop acting like that; people are already looking!
Compare with
aufführen vs spielen
to play
'spielen' and 'aufführen' can both have to do with theater or music in front of an audience. 'spielen' is used for an individual role or for an instrument: a person plays a character or plays piano. 'aufführen' refers more to the whole work, for example a play, a piece of music, or a dance that is presented to an audience. The words can be confused because in a performance, someone often plays. In practical terms: people play roles or instruments; a group or theater performs a piece.
aufführen
Am Freitag führt die Klasse ein kurzes Theaterstück in der Aula auf.
On Friday, the class will perform a short play in the assembly hall.
spielen
Im Schultheater spielt Lena die Hauptrolle.
In the school theater, Lena plays the main role.
In real life
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