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.
up
Both words refer to movement or direction upward. Hinauf is the neutral form for everyday situations, while empor sounds elevated or literary and often appears in fixed verb combinations. Use hinauf in normal conversations and empor mainly in literary texts.
Im Gedicht steigt der Vogel langsam zum hellen Himmel empor.
In the poem, the bird slowly rises toward the bright sky.
Bitte geh die Treppe hinauf und schließ oben das Fenster.
Please go up the stairs and close the window upstairs.
