01
aufgeben
to give up
To stop trying or continuing something because one does not expect success.
example
Obwohl das Rennen sehr anstrengend war, hat sie nicht aufgegeben.
Although the race was very exhausting, she did not give up.
aufgeben
to give up / submit
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufgeben' (to give up / submit) 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
Ich gebe diesen Plan nicht auf.
I am not giving up this plan.
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'auf' and the verb 'geben' (to give). The basic idea of giving something away from oneself or letting go of something can be recognized in many meanings.
EXAMPLE
Er musste seinen Traum vom Profisport aufgeben.
He had to give up his dream of professional sports.
Use without an object
In the meaning 'to surrender' or 'to stop continuing', 'aufgeben' (to give up) can also be used without an accusative object. This does not apply to the other meanings.
EXAMPLE
Kurz vor dem Ziel war er so erschöpft, dass er aufgab.
Shortly before the finish line, he was so exhausted that he gave up.
Typical collocations
In the context of 'handing over', 'aufgeben' (to send / submit) is often combined with things that one hands in or checks in at an institution. Typical phrases are: ein Paket aufgeben (to send a package), einen Brief aufgeben (to mail a letter), Gepäck aufgeben (to check in luggage), or eine Bestellung aufgeben (to place an order).
EXAMPLE
Am Flughafen müssen Sie Ihr Gepäck am Schalter aufgeben.
At the airport, you have to check in your luggage at the counter.
Sentence structure in school contexts
When a teacher assigns tasks, the structure 'jemandem (Dativ) etwas (Akkusativ) aufgeben' (to assign someone something) is used. This meaning is common almost only in school or university contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Professor hat uns eine schwere Aufgabe aufgegeben.
The professor assigned us a difficult task.
Compare with
aufgeben vs stellen
to put / to set
'stellen' and 'aufgeben' can both mean that you pass something on officially or for processing. However, they are used with different nouns. You 'stellt' an application, especially with an authority or institution: 'einen Antrag stellen' (to submit an application). You 'gibt ... auf' an order, a letter, or a package when it is supposed to be processed or sent. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases something goes to some office or place. The fixed expression is important: 'einen Antrag stellen', but 'eine Bestellung aufgeben' (to place an order) or 'ein Paket aufgeben' (to send a package).
aufgeben
Nach dem Gespräch gibt er die Bestellung direkt im System auf.
After the conversation, he enters the order directly into the system.
stellen
Für die neue Wohnung muss Maria noch einen Antrag stellen.
Maria still has to submit an application for the new apartment.
In real life
Loading video examples...