01
aufräumen
to tidy up
To make a place neat and clean by putting things in their proper place.
example
Jeden Samstag muss ich mein Zimmer aufräumen.
Every Saturday I have to tidy up my room.
aufräumen
to tidy up / clear up
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufräumen' (to tidy up/clear up) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' goes to the end, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle: 'aufzuräumen'.
EXAMPLE
Wann räumst du endlich dein Zimmer auf?
When are you finally going to tidy up your room?
Typical objects
In the literal meaning, 'aufräumen' (to tidy up) is often combined with places or areas that are put in order. Typical objects are 'das Zimmer' (the room), 'die Wohnung' (the apartment), 'den Schreibtisch' (the desk), or 'die Küche' (the kitchen).
EXAMPLE
Bevor die Gäste kommen, müssen wir noch die Wohnung aufräumen.
Before the guests arrive, we still have to tidy up the apartment.
Fixed preposition
In the figurative meaning 'to eliminate prejudices', 'aufräumen' (to clear up) is always used with the preposition 'mit' and the dative. The structure is: 'mit etwas (Dativ) aufräumen'.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Dokumentarfilm räumt mit vielen Klischees auf.
This documentary clears up many clichés.
Compare with
aufräumen vs machen
to do / make
'machen' and 'aufräumen' can both mean that a place is put back in order. However, 'machen' is very general and usually needs a more specific addition, for example 'das Zimmer sauber machen' (to clean the room). 'aufräumen' is more precise: things are put in their place so that a room is tidy. The words can be confused because both are used for housework. If the main point is tidiness, 'aufräumen' is the more suitable word. If it is about cleaning or getting something done in general, 'machen' can be more natural.
aufräumen
Nach dem Spielen räumt das Kind sein Zimmer auf.
After playing, the child tidies up his room.
machen
Omar hat die Küche gemacht, weil später Gäste kommen.
Omar cleaned up the kitchen because guests are coming later.
In real life
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