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
mit etwas aufräumen
to clear up
A figurative expression meaning to eliminate false ideas, prejudices, or myths about a topic.
EXAMPLE
In ihrem Buch will die Historikerin mit einigen Legenden über den König aufräumen.
In her book, the historian wants to clear up some legends about the king.
aufräumen
to clean house
Figuratively, the determined removal of problems, abuses, or opponents.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Chefin hat in der Abteilung ordentlich aufgeräumt und alte Strukturen verändert.
The new boss really cleaned house in the department and changed old structures.
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 beseitigen
to remove / eliminate
Beseitigen and aufräumen can both express putting an end to problematic conditions. Beseitigen neutrally describes the result. In this figurative use, aufräumen sounds more forceful and often more colloquial; it fits when someone takes decisive action against several or long-standing problems.
aufräumen
Die neue Leitung will in der Abteilung entschlossen mit den Missständen aufräumen.
The new management wants to decisively clean up the problems in the department.
beseitigen
Die neue Leitung will die Missstände in der Abteilung schnell beseitigen.
The new management wants to quickly eliminate the problems in the department.
In real life
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