01
drauf
on it
Colloquial short form of 'darauf' (on it); refers to a position on something.
example
Stell die Tasse nicht auf den Tisch, der Deckel ist noch drauf.
Don't put the cup on the table; the lid is still on it.
drauf
on it / feeling / high
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register: colloquial language
'Drauf' is a word from spoken language. In formal situations or in written texts such as emails to strangers or essays, you should avoid it.
EXAMPLE
Leg das Buch einfach oben drauf.
Just put the book on top.
Colloquial short form
'Drauf' is the colloquial short form of the pronominal adverb 'darauf' (on it). It refers to a thing or a surface that was mentioned before.
EXAMPLE
Hier ist der Tisch. Stell die Vase bitte drauf.
Here is the table. Please put the vase on it.
Fixed expression
A person's mood is described with the fixed expression '[adverb] drauf sein' (to be in a [adverb] mood/state). Typical adverbs are 'gut' (good), 'schlecht' (bad), or 'komisch' (strange).
EXAMPLE
Warum bist du heute so schlecht drauf?
Why are you in such a bad mood today?
Fixed expression
The expression 'etwas drauf haben' means that someone is very talented or competent. The verb in this expression is always 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat in Mathematik wirklich was drauf.
She is really good at math.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'den Tag drauf' is a fixed expression and means 'am folgenden Tag' (on the following day). It is used as a time expression in the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Am Freitag war die Party, und den Tag drauf war ich total müde.
The party was on Friday, and the day after I was totally tired.
Register: slang
In this meaning, 'drauf sein' is a slang expression. It is used to describe that someone is under the influence of drugs.
EXAMPLE
Man konnte sich nicht mit ihm unterhalten, er war völlig drauf.
You couldn't have a conversation with him; he was completely high.
Compare with
drauf vs danach
afterward / after that
'danach' and 'drauf' can both refer to a time after an event. In this sense, 'am Tag drauf' means roughly 'am Tag danach' (the day after). The important difference is style: 'danach' is neutral and almost always fits, including in writing. 'drauf' is colloquial and, in this meaning, is mainly used in fixed expressions like 'am Tag drauf' (the day after). Learners may confuse the words because 'drauf' is often short for 'darauf', but it cannot replace 'danach' everywhere. If you are unsure, 'danach' is the safe choice.
drauf
Am Tag drauf hat Max sich für die Hilfe bedankt.
The day after, Max thanked them for their help.
danach
Wir waren erst im Kino und sind danach noch etwas essen gegangen.
We went to the movies first and then went out for something to eat afterward.
In real life
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