to run aground / accumulate / take the field
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to run aground
To run aground with a ship or boat, that is, to sail onto a shallow area such as a sandbank or reef and get stuck.
Das Containerschiff ist bei Niedrigwasser auf eine Sandbank aufgelaufen.
The container ship ran aground on a sandbank at low tide.
to accumulate
To build up or increase over time. Used mainly for costs, debts, or interest.
Während seiner Arbeitslosigkeit sind erhebliche Schulden aufgelaufen.
During his unemployment, considerable debts accumulated.
to take the field
In sports, the act of a team or athlete entering the playing field, usually at the beginning of a competition.
Die Heimmannschaft ist unter dem Jubel der Fans als Erste aufgelaufen.
The home team was the first to take the field to the cheers of the fans.
to show up
Colloquial for people suddenly and often unexpectedly appearing at a place.
Gerade als wir gehen wollten, ist die ganze Verwandtschaft bei uns aufgelaufen.
Just as we were about to leave, the whole extended family showed up at our place.
'Auflaufen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' comes at the end in main clauses, remains attached to the verb in subordinate clauses, and with the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle.
Die Mannschaft läuft gleich auf.
The team is about to take the field.
Since 'auflaufen' describes movement or a change of state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
Das Schiff ist auf Grund gelaufen.
The ship ran aground.
The verb combines the prefix 'auf' with 'laufen' (to run/walk). The literal idea of 'running onto something' helps explain some meanings: a ship runs onto a sandbank, or a team runs onto the playing field.
Das Boot ist auf ein Riff aufgelaufen.
The boat ran aground on a reef.
In this meaning, 'auflaufen' is used almost exclusively in financial or economic contexts. Typical signal words are 'Kosten' (costs), 'Schulden' (debts), 'Zinsen' (interest), or 'Verluste' (losses).
Durch die Reparaturen sind unerwartet hohe Kosten aufgelaufen.
Unexpectedly high costs accumulated because of the repairs.
This meaning is limited to the context of sports. You can recognize it from words like 'Mannschaft' (team), 'Spieler' (player), 'Stadion' (stadium), 'Spielfeld' (playing field), or 'Platz' (field/pitch).
Die Nationalmannschaft ist mit den Kindern an der Hand aufgelaufen.
The national team took the field holding the children's hands.
This meaning is used mainly in colloquial language. It often has a slightly surprised or negative connotation, as if the people appear unexpectedly or at an inconvenient time.
Plötzlich ist meine ganze Familie bei mir aufgelaufen.
Suddenly my whole family showed up at my place.
to appear
Both verbs can describe people arriving at a place. Erscheinen is neutral and is especially suitable for scheduled or official appointments, while auflaufen is colloquial and highlights an often conspicuous or unexpected appearance. For an appointment, „erscheinen“ is therefore usually the more suitable choice.
Kurz vor Beginn der Feier liefen plötzlich viele neugierige Nachbarn auf.
Just before the celebration began, lots of curious neighbors suddenly showed up.
Alle Gäste erschienen pünktlich zur offiziellen Feier.
All the guests showed up on time for the official celebration.
