to increase / add a story
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to increase
To increase an existing quantity, amount, or stock. This can refer to supplies, staff, capital, or other resources.
Das Unternehmen plant, die IT-Abteilung um zehn Mitarbeiter aufzustocken.
The company plans to increase the IT department by ten employees.
'Aufstocken' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' comes at the end of the sentence.
Wir stocken unsere Vorräte für den Winter auf.
We are stocking up our supplies for the winter.
The verb comes from the noun 'der Stock' in the sense of 'Stockwerk' (story/floor). The literal meaning is to put another story onto a building. Figuratively, it means to increase an amount, as if adding another level.
Sie haben ihr Haus um ein ganzes Stockwerk aufgestockt.
They added an entire story to their house.
When you want to state the exact amount of the increase, use the preposition 'um' followed by the accusative.
Die Firma stockt das Personal um 20 Personen auf.
The company is increasing its staff by 20 people.
Common things that you 'aufstockt' (increase/stock up) are 'das Personal' (staff), 'das Kapital' (capital), 'die Vorräte' (supplies), or also 'das Gehalt' (salary).
Vor dem langen Wochenende müssen wir die Lebensmittelvorräte aufstocken.
Before the long weekend, we need to stock up on food supplies.
to increase
'erhöhen' and 'aufstocken' both mean that something becomes more or higher. 'erhöhen' is more general: you can increase prices, wages, temperatures, risks, or even raise a wall. 'aufstocken' fits especially well when there is already an existing amount or stock and you add something to it, for example staff, money, or supplies. With buildings, 'aufstocken' means that additional stories are built. In practical terms: 'erhöhen' describes the increase itself, while 'aufstocken' often emphasizes adding to something that already exists.
Wegen der vielen Aufträge hat die Firma ihr Team um drei Personen aufgestockt.
Because of the many orders, the company increased its team by three people.
Die Stadt erhöht im nächsten Jahr die Gebühren für das Parken.
The city is increasing parking fees next year.