01
aufsteigen
to rise
To move physically upward; to gain height.
example
Heisse Luft steigt nach oben auf.
Hot air rises upward.
aufsteigen
to rise / mount
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufsteigen' (to rise / mount) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' separates from the verb in a main clause and stands at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Der Heißluftballon steigt langsam auf.
The hot-air balloon rises slowly.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'aufsteigen' (to rise / mount) describes movement or a change of state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Der Nebel ist am Morgen aufgestiegen.
The fog rose in the morning.
Correct preposition
When climbing onto a vehicle or mount, you use the preposition 'auf' with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Vorsichtig stieg sie auf das unruhige Pferd auf.
Carefully, she mounted the restless horse.
Correct preposition
To express a promotion at work, the preposition 'zu' with the dative is used to name the new position.
EXAMPLE
Nach nur zwei Jahren ist er zum Abteilungsleiter aufgestiegen.
After only two years, he rose to department head.
Correct preposition
In a sports context, the preposition 'in' with the accusative is used to indicate the higher league that is reached.
EXAMPLE
Der Verein ist letztes Jahr in die zweite Liga aufgestiegen.
The club was promoted to the second division last year.
Use with feelings
When feelings, thoughts, or sensations 'aufsteigen' (rise up), the subject is the feeling itself. The person who feels it is often named with the preposition 'in' and dative.
EXAMPLE
Bei seinen Worten stieg Wut in mir auf.
At his words, anger rose up in me.
Compare with
aufsteigen vs fallen
to fall
'fallen' and 'aufsteigen' both describe movement in terms of height, but in opposite directions. 'fallen' means that something or someone moves downward, often without control. 'aufsteigen' means that something or someone moves upward. So 'fallen' fits a glass that goes from the table to the floor, or a person who falls. 'aufsteigen' fits smoke, a balloon, or a person who goes or climbs upward.
aufsteigen
Über dem heißen Tee steigt langsam Dampf auf.
Steam slowly rises above the hot tea.
fallen
Beim Aufräumen ist mir ein Glas aus der Hand gefallen.
While tidying up, I dropped a glass.
In real life
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