01
aufmerksam
attentive
To be fully concentrated and interested in something; to listen or watch carefully.
example
Die Kinder hörten der Geschichte aufmerksam zu.
The children listened attentively to the story.
aufmerksam
attentive / considerate
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'auf', the stem of 'merken' (to notice/remember), and the ending '-sam'. Literally, it therefore means being inclined to notice something or remember something.
EXAMPLE
Ein aufmerksamer Schüler lernt schneller.
An attentive student learns faster.
Context clue
The meaning depends strongly on context. If 'aufmerksam' refers to a task or perception, it means 'konzentriert' (concentrated). If it refers to behavior toward people, it means 'rücksichtsvoll' (considerate).
EXAMPLE
Der Detektiv beobachtete die Szene aufmerksam.
The detective observed the scene attentively.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'konzentriert' (concentrated), 'aufmerksam' is often used as an adverb with verbs of perception. Typical combinations are 'aufmerksam zuhören' (to listen attentively), 'aufmerksam zusehen' (to watch attentively), or 'aufmerksam lesen' (to read attentively).
EXAMPLE
Bitte lesen Sie den Vertrag aufmerksam durch.
Please read the contract carefully.
Sentence structure for politeness
To describe a considerate action, the structure 'Es ist aufmerksam von [person in the dative]' is often used. This praises the person who carried out the action.
EXAMPLE
Es war sehr aufmerksam von Ihnen, an meinen Geburtstag zu denken.
It was very considerate of you to remember my birthday.
Fixed expression
The expression 'jemanden auf etwas aufmerksam machen' (to draw someone's attention to something) has a fixed structure. The thing being pointed out is always in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ein Passant machte mich auf den platten Reifen aufmerksam.
A passerby drew my attention to the flat tire.
Compare with
aufmerksam vs wach
awake / alert
'aufmerksam' and 'wach' can both describe someone as mentally engaged. 'aufmerksam' says more specifically that someone is listening, watching, or paying attention to details with concentration. In this context, 'wach' means that someone does not seem tired and understands or reacts quickly. You can be 'wach' but still not listen attentively. So 'aufmerksam' fits better for concentration on a specific thing, while 'wach' is more about someone's general mental state.
aufmerksam
Heute hört sie im Unterricht besonders aufmerksam zu.
Today she is listening especially attentively in class.
wach
Nach dem Spaziergang bin ich wieder wach und kann weiterarbeiten.
After the walk, I am alert again and can keep working.
In real life
Loading video examples...