aufholen
/ˈaʊ̯fˌhoːlən/
To catch up in German is aufholen.
The verb aufholen is used when you are being brought up to date with news or closing a gap in progress, such as catching up on lost time.
Meaning: to be brought up to date with news (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of the prefix auf (up/on) and holen (to fetch/get/bring), which literally means to pick up or catch up.
Which one should you use?
Use aufholen when you are catching up on a gap in progress or lost time. In contrast, use nachholen when you are performing an action that was missed or postponed, such as a missed exam or a meeting.
How does it change in a sentence?
aufholen is a separable verb, meaning the prefix auf moves to the end of the clause in a simple main sentence. For example, you would say Ich hole den Rückstand auf. The past participle of the verb is aufgeholt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaʊ̯fˌhoːlən/
Did you know?
- While aufholen describes closing a gap, Germans use quatschen to describe the social act of catching up on gossip and news with a friend.
- In a nautical context, aufholen specifically refers to hauling in a rope or pulling a sail up, reflecting the word's physical origins of pulling something closer.
- The verb holen in aufholen shares a common Germanic ancestor with the English word 'hale', which means to pull or drag something toward you.
Examples in context
- Ich muss die verlorene Zeit aufholen.I need to catch up the lost time.This sentence is useful for using aufholen regarding lost time.Tatoeba #5205938 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #690108 by Eldad
- Wir müssen die Versäumnisse bei unserer Arbeit so bald als möglich aufholen.We have to catch up on our work as soon as possible.This sentence is useful for using aufholen regarding catching up on work.Tatoeba #1693371 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #248763 by CK
- Ich arbeite daran, den Rückstand aufzuholen.I am working on catching up on the backlog.
- Ich muss viel Arbeit nachholen, um auf dem neuesten Stand zu sein.I need to catch up on a lot of work to be up to date.
Example conversation
Two friends meet for coffee after a long time.
- FelixHallo Laura! Wir müssen uns dringend mal wieder aufholen.Hello Laura! We urgently need to catch up again.
- LauraJa, das stimmt. Ich habe so viel zu erzählen!Yes, that's true. I have so much to tell you!
- FelixErzähl mir alles. Was gibt es Neues bei dir?Tell me everything. What's new with you?
- LauraIch habe einen neuen Job angefangen.I started a new job.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “catch up” translations and entries aufholen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aufholen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
