01
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
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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 nennen
to call / name
'nennen' and 'aufrufen' can both have to do with saying a name. 'nennen' means to say, name, or mention a name, an example, or a piece of information. 'aufrufen' is used when a name is said out loud so that the person responds, comes forward, or has their turn. This happens, for example, in a waiting room, at school, or at an event. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases a name is said. The difference is: with 'aufrufen', someone is supposed to act or appear; with 'nennen', only information is being given.
aufrufen
Im Wartezimmer ruft die Ärztin den nächsten Patienten auf.
In the waiting room, the doctor calls the next patient.
nennen
Kannst du mir bitte den Namen des neuen Kollegen nennen?
Could you please tell me the name of the new colleague?
In real life
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