to perk up / revive
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to perk up
To become livelier, more energetic, or more cheerful again after a period of tiredness, sadness, or inactivity.
Nach einer Tasse Kaffee ist sie am Nachmittag richtig aufgelebt.
After a cup of coffee, she really perked up in the afternoon.
'Aufleben' (to perk up/revive) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' goes at the end in a main clause, the verb stays together in a subordinate clause, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle.
Im Urlaub lebt sie immer richtig auf.
On vacation, she always really perks up.
The perfect tense of 'aufleben' (to perk up/revive) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change of state: from tired to alert, from forgotten to present.
Nach dem Mittagsschlaf ist der Kleine wieder richtig aufgelebt.
After his afternoon nap, the little one really perked up again.
In this meaning, 'aufleben' (to perk up) almost always refers to people, or sometimes animals, that show energy or joy in life again. Typical triggers are coffee, music, good weather, or pleasant company.
In der Sonne schien selbst die alte Katze wieder aufzuleben.
In the sun, even the old cat seemed to perk up again.
This meaning is used for abstract things that become current again. The subject here is never a person, but for example 'Erinnerungen' (memories), 'Traditionen' (traditions), 'eine Mode' (a fashion), or 'alte Zeiten' (old times).
In den letzten Jahren ist die Mode der 90er wieder aufgelebt.
In recent years, 90s fashion has revived.
to awaken
'erwachen' and 'aufleben' can both describe something becoming noticeable again or in a new way internally, for example interest, joy, or memories. 'erwachen' puts more emphasis on the beginning: a feeling or interest arises. The word often sounds somewhat elevated. 'Aufleben' puts more emphasis on something becoming stronger again after a quiet, weak, or forgotten phase. The words can be confused because both express a kind of beginning. In practical terms: something that newly begins can 'erwachen'; something that regains strength or comes back 'lebt auf'.
Bei dem alten Lied leben viele Erinnerungen an den Sommer wieder auf.
With the old song, many memories of the summer come back to life.
Beim Lesen des Reiseberichts erwacht in mir der Wunsch nach einem langen Urlaub.
While reading the travel report, the desire for a long vacation awakens in me.