01
aufwärmen
to reheat
To make cold food or drinks warm or hot again.
example
Ich wärme mir die Reste von gestern Abend in der Mikrowelle auf.
I'm reheating the leftovers from last night in the microwave.
aufwärmen
to warm up / reheat
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufwärmen' (to warm up/reheat) 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
Ich wärme die Suppe von gestern auf.
I'm reheating yesterday's soup.
Reflexive or not?
The use of the reflexive pronoun 'sich' is an important clue. 'Sich aufwärmen' (to warm oneself up) always refers to one's own body (before sports or when cold). 'Etwas aufwärmen' (to warm something up/reheat something) refers to food or an abstract topic.
EXAMPLE
Wärmst du dich vor dem Laufen auf?
Do you warm up before running?
Context: sports vs. cold
When 'sich aufwärmen' (to warm oneself up) is used, the context helps distinguish the meaning. If it is about sports and movement, it means preparing for exertion. If it is about cold and freezing, it means regaining body warmth.
EXAMPLE
Die Spieler wärmen sich vor dem Spiel auf dem Platz auf.
The players warm up on the field before the game.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'aufwärmen' (to bring up again) is always used with abstract nouns. Typical objects are 'ein Thema' (a topic), 'eine Geschichte' (a story), or 'ein alter Streit' (an old argument).
EXAMPLE
Er versucht immer wieder, die längst entschiedene Diskussion aufzuwärmen.
He keeps trying to bring up the long-settled discussion again.
Compare with
aufwärmen vs ansprechen
to address / appeal to
'ansprechen' and 'aufwärmen' can both have to do with a topic coming up in a conversation again. 'ansprechen' is neutral: you bring up a topic or problem because you want to talk about it. 'aufwärmen' only fits with old topics, old arguments, or things that were actually already settled. It often sounds somewhat negative because someone is unnecessarily bringing up something from the past again. If a problem is current, it is better to say 'ansprechen'. If someone starts an old argument again, 'aufwärmen' fits.
aufwärmen
Beim Abendessen wärmt Tom den alten Streit mit seinem Bruder wieder auf.
At dinner, Tom brings up the old argument with his brother again.
ansprechen
Im Teamgespräch spricht Lena das Problem mit den langen Wartezeiten an.
In the team meeting, Lena brings up the problem with the long waiting times.
In real life
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