Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Aufzug | /ˈʔaʊ̯ftsuːk/ | masculine |
| Fahrstuhl | /ˈfaːɐ̯ʃtuːl/ | masculine |
| Lift | /lɪft/ | masculine |
The word refers to a mechanical device used for vertically transporting goods or people. While Aufzug is the standard term for lifts within buildings, the word Lift is frequently used in the compound Skilift to refer to mountain lifts.
Which one should you use?
Aufzug is the most common and standard term in modern German. Fahrstuhl is a common synonym that can be used interchangeably, though it may sometimes sound slightly more technical or old-fashioned. The form Lift is considered dated in most contexts, except when used in compounds like Skilift.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Fahrstuhl is commonly used in Germany and Austria. In Switzerland, the term Lift is the common way to say lift.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of this word are masculine. When using a verb of motion such as nehmen (to take), the masculine noun Aufzug takes the accusative article den, as in den Aufzug.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔaʊ̯ftsuːk/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Aufzug is a homonym that also means 'act' in a play or 'scene' in a theatrical performance.
- The word Fahrstuhl is a compound of 'fahren', meaning 'to drive' or 'to travel', and 'Stuhl', meaning 'chair'.
- While Aufzug refers to the lift, the verb aufziehen can also mean 'to raise a child' or 'to wind up a clock'.
Examples in context
- Ich nehme den Aufzug.I'm going to take the lift.This sentence is useful for saying you are taking the lift with Aufzug.Tatoeba #9971337 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9128392 by sundown
- Der Fahrstuhl ist da.The lift has arrived.This sentence is useful for saying the lift has arrived with Fahrstuhl.Tatoeba #11277890 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10708135 by sundown
- Er geht in den Aufzug.He's getting into the lift.This sentence is useful for saying someone is entering the lift with Aufzug.Tatoeba #8320722 by MisterTrouser, translation #11018101 by sundown
- Entschuldigung, wo ist der Aufzug?Excuse me, where is the lift?
- Komm, lass uns den Fahrstuhl nehmen!Come on, let's take the lift!
- 187 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are standing in a hotel lobby.
- JulianHannah, wo ist der Aufzug?Hannah, where is the lift?
- HannahDer Aufzug ist dort drüben.The lift is over there.
- JulianIst der Aufzug gerade frei?Is the lift free right now?
- HannahJa, er kommt gerade.Yes, it is coming now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lift” translations and entries Aufzug, Fahrstuhl, Lift, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Aufzug, Fahrstuhl, Lift, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
