oben
/ˈʔoːbən/
In German, 'upstairs' can be translated in several ways, most commonly as oben. Wiktionary also lists treppauf and nach oben.
Meaning: up the stairs, on or to a higher floor or level (adv)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| oben | /ˈʔoːbən/ |
| treppauf | |
| nach oben | /naːx ˈʔoːbən/ (word by word) |
| herauf | /hɛˈʁaʊ̯f/ |
In German, different words are used to distinguish between a static location and directional movement.
Which one should you use?
Use oben to describe the static location of being already at the upstairs level. Use nach oben to describe movement in the direction of the upstairs level. If you are describing movement towards the speaker, use herauf. If you are describing movement away from the speaker, use hinauf.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word oben functions as a local adverb and does not change its form based on gender or case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔoːbən/
Did you know?
- While oben means 'upstairs', it is also used idiomatically to refer to 'the powers that be' or high-ranking management in a company.
- The word oben is a close relative of the English word 'over', as both stem from the same ancient Germanic root meaning 'above'.
- The prefix her- in herauf indicates a direction toward the speaker, a distinction that exists in German but is almost entirely lost in modern English.
Examples in context
- Tom kam nach oben.Tom came upstairs.This sentence shows how to use oben to indicate someone came upstairs.Tatoeba #6619139 by Felixjp, translation #4630283 by Amastan
- Er lief nach oben.He ran upstairs.This sentence illustrates using oben to describe running upstairs.Tatoeba #8963472 by wolfgangth, translation #8479444 by CH
- Sie ging nach oben.She went upstairs.This sentence demonstrates the use of oben for going upstairs.Tatoeba #1812041 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1410320 by CK
- Die Büros befinden sich oben.The offices are located upstairs.
- Bitte gehen Sie nach oben zum Konferenzraum.Please go upstairs to the conference room.
- Das Restaurant befindet sich in der oberen Etage.The restaurant is located on the upper floor.
- Komm doch hoch, wir warten auf dich!Come upstairs, we're waiting for you!
- Komm mit aufs obere Stockwerk, dort haben wir einen tollen Ausblick.Come up to the upper floor, we have a great view from there.
- 135 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are looking for a book in their house.
- JulianWo ist das Buch?Where is the book?
- JuliaEs liegt oben auf dem Tisch.It is upstairs on the table.
- JulianGehst du kurz oben nachsehen?Will you go upstairs to check quickly?
- JuliaJa, ich gehe sofort oben hin.Yes, I am going upstairs right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “upstairs” translations and entries oben, nach oben, herauf, 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 nach, oben, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
