01
auftreiben
to procure
To find or obtain someone or something with effort.
example
Ich muss für die Party noch irgendwo ein paar zusätzliche Stühle auftreiben.
I still have to procure a few extra chairs somewhere for the party.
auftreiben
to procure / float up
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Auftreiben' is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er treibt für seine alte Kamera noch Ersatzteile auf.
He is still procuring spare parts for his old camera.
Context clues
The meaning depends strongly on the subject. If a person is the subject, it means 'beschaffen' (to obtain/procure). If the subject is an inanimate thing in a liquid, it means 'an die Oberfläche steigen' (to rise to the surface). If it refers to a body or body part, it means 'anschwellen' (to swell).
EXAMPLE
Der Manager muss schnell einen neuen Investor auftreiben.
The manager has to quickly procure a new investor.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'beschaffen' (to obtain/procure), 'auftreiben' is often used for things that are hard to find. Typical objects are 'Geld' (money), 'Informationen' (information), 'Ersatzteile' (spare parts), or 'Zeugen' (witnesses).
EXAMPLE
Die Journalistin konnte geheime Dokumente für ihre Geschichte auftreiben.
The journalist was able to procure secret documents for her story.
Register
The meaning 'anschwellen' (to swell) is mainly used in medicine or veterinary medicine. For example, people speak of an 'aufgetriebener Bauch' (bloated belly).
EXAMPLE
Der Tierarzt stellte fest, dass der Bauch der Kuh aufgetrieben war.
The vet found that the cow's belly was bloated.
Compare with
auftreiben vs finden
to find
'finden' and 'auftreiben' can both mean that you get or discover something you need. 'finden' is neutral and general: you can search for something intentionally or discover it by chance. 'auftreiben' is used when it is difficult and you have to make an effort to find or obtain something or someone. It often sounds somewhat colloquial. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with searching. If only the act of discovering is important, 'finden' fits. If effort, scarcity, or obtaining something is the main focus, 'auftreiben' is more precise.
auftreiben
Frau Schwarz treibt noch schnell zwei Stühle für die neuen Gäste auf.
Ms. Schwarz quickly manages to find two more chairs for the new guests.
finden
Sie findet den freien Tisch im Restaurant, bevor es zu voll wird.
She finds the free table in the restaurant before it gets too crowded.
In real life
Loading video examples...