01
aufheben
to pick up
To pick something up from the floor or from a lower position with your hands.
example
Er bückte sich, um den heruntergefallenen Schlüssel aufzuheben.
He bent down to pick up the key that had fallen.
aufheben
to pick up / keep / cancel
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Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufheben' 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 is not separated.
EXAMPLE
Sie hebt den Stift vom Boden auf.
She picks the pen up from the floor.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'auf' and 'heben' (to lift). The literal meaning 'hochheben' (to lift up) (meaning 1) is the basis for the other, more abstract meanings: you 'hebst' something 'auf' in order to keep it, or you 'hebst' a rule 'auf' in order to make it invalid.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte das Buch aufheben?
Can you please pick up the book?
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning by the fact that it is always about a concrete, physical object that is in a lower place (e.g. on the floor, on the table).
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Münze aufgehoben, die ihm aus der Tasche gefallen war.
He picked up the coin that had fallen out of his pocket.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'aufbewahren' (to keep/store), the verb is often combined with things that have personal or practical value. Typical examples are: 'den Kassenbon aufheben' (to keep the receipt), 'alte Briefe aufheben' (to keep old letters), 'eine Erinnerung aufheben' (to keep a memory/memento).
EXAMPLE
Heb den Kassenbon gut auf, falls du das Gerät umtauschen musst.
Keep the receipt safe in case you need to exchange the device.
Context clue
This meaning is almost always used in an official, legal, or administrative context. The object is typically something abstract, such as a law, a judgment, a ban, or a contract.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Sturms wurden alle Flüge für heute aufgehoben.
Because of the storm, all flights for today were canceled.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich aufheben' means that two opposing things balance each other out. The subject is always plural or refers to a set of things.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Kräfte sind gleich stark und heben sich daher gegenseitig auf.
The two forces are equally strong and therefore cancel each other out.
Fixed expression
The expression 'sich gut/sicher/wohl aufgehoben fühlen' (to feel well/safely/comfortably looked after) is a fixed unit. It describes the feeling of being well cared for and safe in a place or with people.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Team fühle ich mich von Anfang an gut aufgehoben.
I have felt well looked after in this team from the very beginning.
Compare with
aufheben vs aufnehmen
to record / take in
'aufnehmen' and 'aufheben' can both have to do with something not simply staying where it is or getting lost. But the difference is important: 'aufnehmen' here means that something goes into something, for example water into a sponge or information into your head. 'aufheben' is used when you pick something up from the floor or keep something for later. The words can be confused because both begin with 'auf-' and, in some situations, are connected with an upward movement. If you take something from the floor, it is normally 'aufheben'; if something goes into a body, a material, or a system, 'aufnehmen' fits.
aufheben
Mein Nachbar hebt den Schlüssel vom Boden auf.
My neighbor picks the key up from the floor.
aufnehmen
Der Schwamm nimmt das Wasser schnell auf.
The sponge absorbs the water quickly.
In real life
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