01
Aufsehen erregen
to cause a stir
To attract great public attention, often also curiosity or outrage.
example
Sein ungewöhnliches Outfit erregte auf der Gala großes Aufsehen.
His unusual outfit caused quite a stir at the gala.
das Aufsehen
attention / stir
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Aufsehen' (attention/stir) is the nominalization of the verb 'aufsehen' (to look up). The figurative meaning is that an event is so interesting or shocking that everyone 'looks up' to notice it.
EXAMPLE
Als der berühmte Schauspieler den Raum betrat, sahen alle auf.
When the famous actor entered the room, everyone looked up.
Uncountable noun
'Aufsehen' (attention/stir) is an uncountable noun and has no plural. In the most common expression, 'Aufsehen erregen' (to cause a stir), it is used without an article.
EXAMPLE
Die Band wollte mit ihrer Aktion vor allem Aufsehen erregen.
With their action, the band primarily wanted to cause a stir.
Fixed expression
By far the most common use is the fixed expression 'Aufsehen erregen' (to cause a stir). It means to get public attention because you do something unusual.
EXAMPLE
Mit ihrer Rede erregte die Politikerin landesweites Aufsehen.
With her speech, the politician caused a nationwide stir.
Typical verbs
When talking about the state of public attention, verbs such as 'vermeiden' (to avoid) or 'verursachen' (to cause) are often used. One either wants to avoid causing any stir or deliberately avoid it.
EXAMPLE
Er schlich leise aus dem Haus, um kein Aufsehen zu verursachen.
He quietly slipped out of the house so as not to cause any stir.
Compare with
Aufsehen vs Interesse
interest
'das Interesse' and 'das Aufsehen' can both have to do with attention. 'Interesse' is usually neutral and can be private: a person wants to know more or pays attention to something. 'Aufsehen' is stronger and more public. It arises when many people notice something and talk about it, often because it is surprising, unusual, or disturbing. 'Interesse' can be quiet and normal. 'Aufsehen' suggests a great deal of public attention.
Aufsehen
Der Unfall vor dem Bahnhof erregte großes Aufsehen.
The accident in front of the station caused quite a stir.
Interesse
Beim Lernen bleibt mein Interesse größer, wenn ich praktische Beispiele sehe.
When I am learning, my interest stays greater when I see practical examples.
In real life
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