01
aufspringen
to jump up
To rise quickly and energetically from a sitting or lying position.
example
Als sie ihren Namen hörte, sprang sie erschrocken auf.
When she heard her name, she jumped up in fright.
aufspringen
to jump up / spring open
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufspringen' (to jump up/to spring open) is a separable verb with the prefix 'auf-'. In a main clause, the prefix goes at the end, while in subordinate clauses it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Als das Telefon klingelte, sprang er sofort auf.
When the phone rang, he jumped up immediately.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'aufspringen' (to jump up/to spring open/to crack) describes movement or a change of state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Der Hund ist aufgesprungen, als er die Leine sah.
The dog jumped up when it saw the leash.
Context clue: subject
The subject of the sentence reveals the meaning. If the subject is a person, it means 'to get up/jump up.' If it is an object (door, lid), it means 'to open/spring open.' If it is skin or lips, it means 'to become cracked.'
EXAMPLE
Der Schüler sprang auf und beantwortete die Frage.
The student jumped up and answered the question.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'rissig werden' (to become cracked/chapped), 'aufspringen' is used almost exclusively for skin and lips. The cause is often mentioned too, for example 'wegen der Kälte' (because of the cold) or 'durch die Trockenheit' (due to the dryness).
EXAMPLE
Wenn man im Winter nicht genug trinkt, können die Lippen aufspringen.
If you don't drink enough in winter, your lips can crack.
Compare with
aufspringen vs aufstehen
to get up / be open
'aufstehen' and 'aufspringen' can both mean that someone moves from sitting or lying into a standing position. 'aufstehen' is neutral and fits especially well in normal situations, for example getting out of bed in the morning or getting up from a chair. 'aufspringen' emphasizes that the movement is sudden, quick, or energetic. You can also see a difference with doors or lids: a door can 'aufstehen' when it is open; a lid 'springt auf' when it opens suddenly. Learners can confuse the words because both begin with 'auf' and have to do with upward movement or opening. As a guide: 'aufstehen' is calm and normal, while 'aufspringen' is sudden and quick.
aufspringen
Als der Alarm losging, sprang mein Kollege sofort vom Stuhl auf.
When the alarm went off, my colleague immediately jumped up from his chair.
aufstehen
Am Sonntag stehe ich meistens erst gegen neun Uhr auf.
On Sundays, I usually don't get up until around nine o'clock.
In real life
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