aufrufen
to call
To say someone's name out loud in order to get their attention or ask them to come forward, for example in a waiting room.
EXAMPLE
Der nächste Patient wird gleich aufgerufen.
The next patient will be called in a moment.
aufrufen
to call / open
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Meanings
aufrufen
to open
In computing, to start or open a program, website, or file.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann die Webseite nicht aufrufen, das Internet ist zu langsam.
I can't open the website; the internet is too slow.
aufrufen zu
to call on
To publicly and formally ask or appeal to people to do something specific, such as donate or protest.
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation rief zu Spenden für die Opfer der Flutkatastrophe auf.
The organization called for donations for the victims of the flood disaster.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufrufen' (to call/open/call on) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' goes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin ruft den nächsten Patienten auf.
The doctor calls the next patient.
Context clue
The object helps you recognize the meaning: you call a person (in the waiting room), open a website or file (on the computer), or call for an action (for example, a donation).
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer rief den Schüler auf.
The teacher called on the student.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning of 'appellieren' (to appeal), the construction 'aufrufen zu + [noun in the dative]' is always used. The noun describes the requested action.
EXAMPLE
Die Gewerkschaft hat die Mitarbeiter zum Streik aufgerufen.
The union called on the employees to strike.
Typical collocations
In a digital context, 'aufrufen' (to open) is often combined with objects such as 'eine Webseite' (a website), 'eine App' (an app), 'ein Programm' (a program), or 'einen Link' (a link).
EXAMPLE
Klicken Sie hier, um den Link aufzurufen.
Click here to open the link.
Compare with
aufrufen vs besuchen
to visit
You can both besuchen and aufrufen a website. „Aufrufen“ emphasizes the specific action of opening it, while „besuchen“ also includes subsequently viewing or using the website. Use „aufrufen“ for accessing the site and „besuchen“ when using the site is meant.
aufrufen
Ich rufe die Webseite über den Link auf, um die Anmeldung zu öffnen.
I open the website through the link to access the registration form.
besuchen
Ich besuche die Webseite jeden Morgen, um die neuen Nachrichten zu lesen.
I visit the website every morning to read the latest news.
In real life
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