Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| nach oben | /naːx ˈʔoːbən/ (word by word) |
| empor | /ɛmˈpoːr/ |
These terms are used to describe movement or orientation away from the earth's surface toward a higher position. While nach oben is the standard way to describe direction, you may also encounter the word hoch as a common translation for "up" or Oben when referring to something being located at the top or upper part of a space.
Which one should you use?
nach oben is the standard expression used in most everyday contexts to indicate direction. In contrast, empor is a literary form that often implies a sense of rising or ascending towards something lofty or high.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
nach oben is the standard form for general use, whereas empor is a more formal and poetic term.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
nach oben functions as an adverb of direction to indicate movement toward a higher position.
How do you pronounce it?
/naːx ˈʔoːbən/
Did you know?
- The term empor shares an ancient root with the English verb 'to bear', stemming from a Proto-Germanic word for carrying or lifting.
- The word oben is part of a family of words that includes the English prefix 'over-', both descending from a common Germanic root.
- In German, the concept of 'up' is split between oben for location and nach oben for direction.
Examples in context
- Er schaute nach oben.He looked up.This sentence shows how to use nach oben to describe looking in a specific direction.Tatoeba #9982448 by wolfgangth, translation #2858907 by Amastan
- Es geht nur nach oben.The only way is up.This sentence uses nach oben to express a metaphorical direction.Tatoeba #1743643 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1737397 by Spamster
- Blicke zum Himmel empor!Look up at the sky.This sentence demonstrates the use of empor in a literary context regarding the sky.Tatoeba #2871113 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2548654 by CK
- Er geht die Treppe hoch.He's going up the stairs.
- Der Ball fliegt hoch in die Luft.The ball flies up into the air.
- Das Buch liegt oben auf dem Regal.The book is up on the shelf.
- Sie wohnt ganz oben im Haus.She lives up on the top floor of the house.
- Der Adler steigt empor in den Himmel.The eagle soars up into the sky.
- Die Sonne geht langsam empor.The sun is slowly rising.
- Gehen Sie bitte die Treppe hoch.Please go up the stairs.
- Geh bitte die Treppe hoch.Go up the stairs, please.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are standing at the bottom of a tall staircase in a building.
- MaximilianDer Fahrstuhl fährt direkt nach oben.The elevator goes directly up.
- JuliaWollen wir die Treppe nehmen?Do we want to take the stairs?
- MaximilianJa, wir müssen schnell nach oben.Yes, we have to go up quickly.
- JuliaAlles klar, dann gehen wir.Alright, then let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “up” translations and entries nach oben, empor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nach, oben) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries empor, nach, oben, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
