01
aufkommen
to arise
To arise, develop, or rise up. Often used for feelings, thoughts, moods, or trends.
example
Langsam kam Panik in der Menge auf.
Panic slowly arose in the crowd.
aufkommen
to arise / to cover
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufkommen' (to arise/to cover) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ein starker Wind kam am Abend auf.
A strong wind picked up in the evening.
Meaning of the prefix
The prefix 'auf-' in combination with 'kommen' (to come) often conveys the idea of a beginning or upward movement. Something begins to exist or appears, like rising smoke.
EXAMPLE
Plötzlich kam eine seltsame Stimmung auf.
Suddenly, a strange mood arose.
Typical subjects
In the meaning 'entstehen' (to arise), the subjects are usually abstract nouns. Typical combinations are: 'Zweifel kommen auf' (doubts arise), 'ein Verdacht kommt auf' (a suspicion arises), 'Freude kommt auf' (joy arises), or 'eine Frage kommt auf' (a question arises).
EXAMPLE
Bei seiner Erzählung kamen mir erste Zweifel auf.
As he told his story, my first doubts arose.
Weather context
When 'aufkommen' is used in connection with the weather, it describes the approach or beginning of a weather phenomenon. Typical subjects are 'Wind' (wind), 'Sturm' (storm), 'Nebel' (fog), or 'Gewitter' (thunderstorm).
EXAMPLE
Laut Wetterbericht soll morgen ein Sturm aufkommen.
According to the weather forecast, a storm is supposed to pick up tomorrow.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'bezahlen' (to pay), 'aufkommen' is always used with the preposition 'für' and the accusative. The structure is: 'jemand kommt für etwas auf' (someone covers something).
EXAMPLE
Wer kommt für den entstandenen Schaden auf?
Who will cover the damage that occurred?
Compare with
aufkommen vs bezahlen
to pay
'bezahlen' and 'aufkommen für' can both mean that someone gives money for something. 'bezahlen' is the normal word for a bill, goods, or a service. 'aufkommen für' is used more when someone covers the costs or is financially responsible for damage. It sounds somewhat more formal and usually needs 'für'. The words are easy to confuse because both are about money. In everyday life, people often say 'bezahlen'; when responsibility for costs is involved, 'aufkommen für' is more precise.
aufkommen
Die Versicherung kommt für den Schaden am Auto auf.
The insurance company covers the damage to the car.
bezahlen
Der Mitarbeiter bezahlt im Gartenmarkt die neuen Pflanzen.
The employee pays for the new plants at the garden center.
In real life
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