upward
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upward
Expresses a movement or direction upward. The word is mostly used in elevated language or literary texts and is often part of separable verbs such as 'emporsteigen' (to ascend).
Er blickte ehrfürchtig zum Gipfel des Berges empor.
He looked upward in awe toward the summit of the mountain.
The word 'empor' (upward) belongs to elevated or literary language. It is hardly used in normal everyday conversation and can sound old-fashioned or poetic.
Die Flammen schlugen aus dem brennenden Haus empor.
The flames shot upward from the burning house.
'Empor' (upward) is usually combined as a separable prefix with verbs of movement or looking. Typical examples are 'emporsteigen' (to ascend), 'emporblicken' (to look upward), or 'sich emporarbeiten' (to work one's way up).
Der Adler stieg majestätisch in den Himmel empor.
The eagle rose majestically upward into the sky.
When 'empor' (upward) is part of a separable verb, it comes at the end of the main clause. As a standalone adverb, it also often stands at the end or after the verb.
Der Sportler reckte die Arme empor.
The athlete stretched his arms upward.
high
'hoch' and 'empor' both have to do with being up or going upward. 'hoch' usually describes height or a high position and is completely normal in everyday language. 'empor' describes movement or direction upward, but it sounds elevated or literary. You often find it in verbs like 'emporsteigen' (to ascend) or in solemn descriptions. The words can be confused because both point upward. In normal conversations, you almost always use 'hoch' or 'hinauf'; 'empor' fits better in narrative or poetic texts.
Über dem See stieg langsam Nebel empor.
Mist slowly rose up over the lake.
Im Sommer wird das Gras im Garten schnell hoch.
In summer, the grass in the garden grows tall quickly.