das Aufheben
picking up
The act of picking up or lifting something that is lying on the ground or located in a low position.
EXAMPLE
Das Aufheben der Scherben muss vorsichtig geschehen.
The shards must be picked up carefully.
das Aufheben
picking up / keeping / repeal
das Aufheben
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Meanings
das Aufheben
keeping
The act of keeping or storing something for later use.
EXAMPLE
Das Aufheben alter Briefe ist für sie eine schöne Erinnerung.
Keeping old letters is a cherished reminder for her.
das Aufheben
repeal
The removal or termination of a rule, ban, restriction, or measure.
EXAMPLE
Das Aufheben der Einreisesperre wurde am Montag beschlossen.
The lifting of the entry ban was decided on Monday.
das Aufheben
sublation
In Hegelian philosophy, the simultaneous elimination and preservation of a previous state or concept within a higher development.
EXAMPLE
Das Aufheben ist ein zentraler Begriff in Hegels Dialektik.
Sublation is a central concept in Hegel's dialectics.
viel Aufhebens machen
making a fuss
Treating something as excessively important and dealing with it in a conspicuous or overly elaborate way.
EXAMPLE
Mach bitte nicht so viel Aufhebens um diesen kleinen Fehler.
Please don't make such a fuss about this small mistake.
Forms
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Aufhebens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Aufheben | – |
| accusative | das Aufheben | – |
| dative | dem Aufheben | – |
| genitive | des Aufhebens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Nominalization
'Das Aufheben' (picking up / keeping / repeal) is the nominalized form of the verb 'aufheben' (to pick up / keep / repeal) and refers to an action or process. The object is often specified with 'von' (of) and the dative case.
EXAMPLE
Das Aufheben von heruntergefallenen Äpfeln dauerte den ganzen Nachmittag.
Picking up fallen apples took the whole afternoon.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'das Aufheben' (picking up) often appears with phrases such as 'vom Boden' (from the ground) or with objects lying on the ground. Common collocations include 'das Aufheben von Münzen' (picking up coins), 'das Aufheben von Scherben' (picking up shards), and 'das Aufheben eines Gegenstands' (picking up an object).
EXAMPLE
Beim Aufheben vom Boden bekam er plötzlich Rückenschmerzen.
While picking it up from the ground, he suddenly developed back pain.
For later
When referring to keeping something, 'das Aufheben' (keeping) is often used with 'für später' (for later) or with a purpose. Keepsakes and important documents are also frequently mentioned in this context.
EXAMPLE
Das Aufheben alter Fotos für später ist ihr sehr wichtig.
Keeping old photos for later is very important to her.
Rules and bans
In this meaning, 'das Aufheben' (abolishing / lifting) frequently appears with political or legal measures. Common collocations include 'das Aufheben eines Verbots' (lifting a ban), 'das Aufheben einer Einschränkung' (removing a restriction), and 'das Aufheben einer Regelung' (abolishing a regulation).
EXAMPLE
Das Aufheben der Zugangsbeschränkung erleichterte den Besuch des Museums.
Lifting the access restriction made it easier to visit the museum.
Philosophical term
The philosophical meaning is found mainly in texts about Hegel and dialectics. There, 'das Aufheben' (sublation) refers to a process in which a previous state is simultaneously overcome and preserved in a transformed form.
EXAMPLE
In seinem Seminar erklärte der Professor das Aufheben als dialektischen Prozess.
In his seminar, the professor explained 'das Aufheben' (sublation) as a dialectical process.
Fixed expression
In the expression 'viel Aufhebens um etwas machen' (to make a big fuss about something), 'Aufhebens' is in the genitive and refers to excessive attention or fussiness. The expression is often used with 'nicht so viel' (not so much) or 'kein großes' (no big).
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft machte um den kleinen Streit kein großes Aufhebens.
The team didn't make a big fuss about the minor argument.
In real life
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