01
aufwärts
upward
Describes a movement or direction from a lower point to a higher point.
example
Wir stiegen den steilen Pfad langsam aufwärts.
We slowly climbed upward along the steep path.
aufwärts
upward
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of 'auf' (up) and the directional suffix '-wärts'. You find this suffix in many directional adverbs such as 'abwärts' (downward), 'vorwärts' (forward), or 'rückwärts' (backward).
EXAMPLE
Der Ballon stieg langsam aufwärts in den Himmel.
The balloon slowly rose upward into the sky.
Context clue
You can almost always recognize the figurative meaning from the fixed expression 'es geht aufwärts' (things are improving). If, on the other hand, it refers to concrete movement, it is often combined with verbs such as 'gehen' (to go), 'steigen' (to climb/rise), or 'fahren' (to drive/travel).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen den Berg noch zwei Kilometer aufwärts gehen.
We still have to walk two kilometers upward on the mountain.
Fixed expression
To express a positive development, the impersonal expression 'es geht aufwärts' (things are improving) is almost always used. You can also say what is improving by adding 'mit' + dative.
EXAMPLE
Nach langer Krankheit geht es mit ihm endlich wieder aufwärts.
After a long illness, he is finally improving again.
Compare with
aufwärts vs hoch
high
'hoch' and 'aufwärts' can both express an upward direction. 'hoch' usually describes a quality, for example a tall wall, a high price, or a high number. 'aufwärts' is more likely to describe a direction or development: something goes from bottom to top or gets better. That is why 'aufwärts' works well with paths, movements, and also positive developments. The words can be confused because both have to do with a higher level. 'hoch' tends to say where or how something is; 'aufwärts' tends to say which direction it is going.
aufwärts
Nach dem schwierigen Winter geht es mit dem kleinen Laden wieder aufwärts.
After the difficult winter, things are improving again for the small shop.
hoch
Die Miete in dieser Stadt ist sehr hoch.
The rent in this city is very high.
In real life
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