01
aufwachen
to wake up
To stop sleeping and be conscious again.
example
Ich wache meistens auf, bevor der Wecker klingelt.
I usually wake up before the alarm clock rings.
aufwachen
to wake up
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufwachen' (to wake up) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Wachst du am Wochenende auch immer so spät auf?
Do you always wake up so late on weekends too?
Perfect tense with 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'aufwachen' (to wake up) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change of state (from asleep to awake).
EXAMPLE
Ich bin heute Morgen um sechs Uhr aufgewacht.
I woke up at six o'clock this morning.
Typical prepositions
When stating the reason for waking up, the prepositions 'von' (from/by, for a noise or cause) or 'aus' (from/out of, for a state such as a dream) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist vom Lärm der Baustelle aufgewacht.
She woke up from the noise of the construction site.
Context clue
You can often recognize the figurative meaning from words like 'endlich' (finally) or 'jetzt' (now). The context usually describes a situation in which someone recognizes a deception or problem after a long time.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem er seinen Job verloren hatte, ist er endlich aufgewacht und hat angefangen, nach neuen Möglichkeiten zu suchen.
After he lost his job, he finally woke up and started looking for new opportunities.
Compare with
aufwachen vs erkennen
to recognize / realize
'erkennen' and 'aufwachen' can both mean that you finally understand a situation. 'erkennen' is neutral and fits when you grasp a problem, a mistake, or a truth. 'aufwachen' is meant figuratively and sounds stronger: someone did not want to see something for a long time or was naive, and now finally notices what is really going on. In factual situations, 'erkennen' is more natural. 'aufwachen' fits better when you want to emphasize that someone sees reality too late or suddenly.
aufwachen
Mein Vater ist erst aufgewacht, als die Firma schon große Probleme hatte.
My father only woke up when the company was already in serious trouble.
erkennen
Nach dem Gespräch erkennen wir, warum der Plan nicht funktioniert.
After the conversation, we realize why the plan is not working.
In real life
Loading video examples...