to straighten up / to set upright
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to straighten up
To bring one's own body from a bent, sitting, or lying position into a straight, upright position.
Als der Lehrer den Raum betrat, richtete sich der Schüler schnell auf.
When the teacher entered the room, the student quickly straightened up.
'Aufrichten' (to straighten up / to set upright) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' comes at the end in a main clause. In the infinitive with 'zu' (to), 'zu' stands between the prefix and the verb.
Er richtete den umgefallenen Stuhl wieder auf.
He set the fallen chair upright again.
The verb consists of the prefix 'auf-' (upward) and 'richten' (to make straight, to align). The basic meaning, 'to bring something into a straight, vertical position,' connects all meanings: the body, an object, the psyche, or a building.
Ein freundliches Gespräch kann einen traurigen Menschen wieder aufrichten.
A friendly conversation can lift a sad person's spirits again.
The object or the grammar reveals the meaning: 'sich aufrichten' (to straighten oneself up; one's own body), 'etwas aufrichten' (to set something upright; object), 'jemanden aufrichten' (to encourage someone), or 'einen Dachstuhl aufrichten' (to erect a roof frame; build).
Er richtete sich im Bett auf.
He sat up in bed.
In the emotional meaning, 'aufrichten' (to lift someone's spirits) is often combined with the cause of the comfort. Typical phrases include 'jemanden mit Worten aufrichten' (to lift someone's spirits with words) or 'jemanden durch Zuspruch aufrichten' (to encourage someone through reassurance).
Ihre aufmunternden Worte haben mich wirklich wieder aufgerichtet.
Her encouraging words really lifted my spirits again.
The meaning 'errichten' (to erect) is used almost only for the construction of a roof frame. When the roof frame is finished, people in Germany traditionally celebrate the 'Richtfest' (topping-out ceremony). This celebration is a thank-you to the craftsmen.
Nächste Woche richten die Zimmerleute den Dachstuhl auf, dann gibt es ein Richtfest.
Next week the carpenters will erect the roof frame, and then there will be a topping-out ceremony.
to build up
'aufbauen' and 'aufrichten' can both mean that something is created or brought back into a better position. The most important difference is this: 'aufbauen' usually means that you put something together from parts or develop it slowly, for example a tent, a company, or even renewed courage. 'aufrichten' is more about making something that is lying down or has fallen over stand upright again, or about someone regaining courage inwardly. Learners may confuse the words because both can also fit contexts of comfort and encouragement. With objects, it is best to ask: Is something being created step by step? Then 'aufbauen' fits. Is something only being set upright again? Then 'aufrichten' fits.
Nach dem Sturm richtet der Gärtner den umgefallenen Baum wieder auf.
After the storm, the gardener sets the fallen tree upright again.
Am See bauen wir zuerst das Zelt auf und kochen danach Kaffee.
At the lake, we first set up the tent and then make coffee.