to stir up
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to stir up
To strongly unsettle, excite, or disturb someone emotionally. Often used in connection with memories, news, or experiences.
Die alten Briefe haben viele schmerzhafte Erinnerungen in ihr aufgewühlt.
The old letters stirred up many painful memories in her.
'Aufwühlen' (to stir up / to churn up) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' comes at the end; in subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu' (to), the verb stays together.
Diese Nachricht wühlt mich sehr auf.
This news stirs me up a lot.
The verb is made up of 'auf' (up) and 'wühlen' (to dig, to rummage). The emotional meaning is a metaphor: feelings or memories are 'dug' to the surface like earth and create unrest.
Das Thema hat bei der Diskussion starke Emotionen aufgewühlt.
The topic stirred up strong emotions during the discussion.
You can recognize the emotional meaning from the fact that the object is a person and the trigger is often an abstract subject. Typical triggers are news, a film, a conversation, or a memory.
Der Film über den Krieg hat die Zuschauer tief aufgewühlt.
The film about the war deeply stirred up the audience.
In the literal meaning, 'aufwühlen' (to churn up) is often connected with animals or machines that work the ground. Typical objects are 'Erde' (soil), 'Schlamm' (mud), or 'Sand' (sand).
Der Maulwurf hat den ganzen Rasen aufgewühlt.
The mole churned up the entire lawn.
to take along / take away
'mitnehmen' and 'aufwühlen' can both describe an experience triggering strong feelings. 'mitnehmen' is more about something wearing someone out, making them sad, or exhausting them. Afterward, the person often feels weak or down. 'aufwühlen' means that something unsettles someone internally or makes them restless, often because of memories, news, or a conversation. The words can be confused because both fit emotional situations. When the strain or burden is the focus, 'mitnehmen' is more natural. When inner unrest or a strong stirring of emotions is the focus, 'aufwühlen' fits better.
Der alte Brief wühlt Maria auf, weil er sie an früher erinnert.
The old letter unsettles Maria because it reminds her of the past.
Der Streit mit seinem Bruder hat Paul den ganzen Tag mitgenommen.
The argument with his brother wore Paul out for the whole day.