aufpassen
[ˈaʊ̯fpasən]
The German phrase for "pay attention" is aufpassen.
aufpassen is used to mean both paying attention, such as listening or watching closely and being careful to avoid danger.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Rhineland region, the expression passe mol op is used to mean "be careful".
How does it change in a sentence?
aufpassen is a separable verb. This means that in a simple main clause, the prefix auf- moves to the end of the sentence.
Did you know?
- While aufpassen means to pay attention, the noun Aufpasser can specifically refer to a prison guard or an overseer.
- If a German speaker says Pass auf dich auf, they are not just telling you to pay attention, but are using the standard way to say 'take care of yourself'.
- The verb aufpassen is actually a linguistic mimic of the Dutch phrase oppassen, a process known as a calque.
Examples in context
- Du musst gut aufpassen.You've got to pay attention.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone must pay attention using aufpassen.Tatoeba #10074235 by wolfgangth, translation #3232787 by CK
- Würdest du bitte aufpassen?Will you pay attention, please?This sentence is a polite way to ask someone to pay attention using aufpassen.Tatoeba #3189350 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3185875 by CK
- Würdet ihr bitte aufpassen?Would you please pay attention?This sentence is a polite way to ask a group of people to pay attention using aufpassen.Tatoeba #3189351 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4472941 by Hybrid
- Achten Sie bitte darauf, die Anweisungen genau zu befolgenPlease pay attention to following the instructions carefully
- Gib bitte Acht, wenn du über die Straße läufstPlease pay attention when crossing the road
- Passen Sie bitte auf die Details in der Präsentation aufPlease pay attention to the details in the presentation
- Pass auf, die Straße ist glatt!Watch out, the road is slippery!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A teacher is instructing a student in a classroom.
- SarahBitte pass beim Lesen genau auf.Please pay close attention while reading.
- MaximilianEntschuldigung, ich werde jetzt besser aufpassen.Sorry, I will pay better attention now.
- SarahDas ist wichtig für den Test.That is important for the test.
- MaximilianIch verstehe, ich konzentriere mich.I understand, I am concentrating.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aufpassen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aufpassen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
