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B1 adjective #1,500 más común 11 min de lectura

aufgewachsen

Grown up, raised, having reached maturity.

Top 1,500

At the A1 beginner level, the word 'aufgewachsen' is introduced as a fixed vocabulary item to help you talk about your basic personal background. Even though the grammar behind it (the perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'sein') might seem a bit advanced for absolute beginners, the phrase 'Ich bin in [Stadt/Land] aufgewachsen' is taught as a set chunk of language. You do not need to fully understand the mechanics of separable verbs or past participles yet; you just need to memorize this specific phrase to answer the common question 'Wo bist du aufgewachsen?' (Where did you grow up?). It is an essential tool for introducing yourself, right alongside 'Ich heiße...' (My name is...) and 'Ich komme aus...' (I come from...). When you meet a German speaker, telling them where you grew up is a fantastic way to start a simple conversation and show that you can share personal information beyond just your current location. Practice saying 'Ich bin in...' followed by your hometown or country. Remember that you must always use 'bin' (am) and not 'habe' (have). This is a very common mistake for English speakers, so learning it correctly from the start is crucial. As you progress through A1, you will also learn to ask others this question using 'Wo sind Sie aufgewachsen?' (formal) or 'Wo bist du aufgewachsen?' (informal). This simple exchange forms the basis of many early social interactions in German.

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As you reach the A2 level, your understanding of 'aufgewachsen' expands beyond just memorizing a single phrase. You begin to understand the grammar behind it: it is the past participle of the separable verb 'aufwachsen'. You learn that the 'ge' is placed between the prefix 'auf' and the root 'wachsen'. At this stage, you are expected to use 'aufgewachsen' in more detailed sentences. Instead of just naming a city, you can now add more context using prepositions and basic adjectives. For example, you can say 'Ich bin in einer kleinen Stadt aufgewachsen' (I grew up in a small town) or 'Ich bin auf dem Land aufgewachsen' (I grew up in the countryside). You also start using it with different pronouns, such as 'Er ist in Berlin aufgewachsen' (He grew up in Berlin) or 'Wir sind zusammen aufgewachsen' (We grew up together). This allows you to talk not only about yourself but also about your family members, friends, and people you read about in simple texts. Furthermore, at the A2 level, you begin to distinguish 'aufgewachsen' from simply 'leben' (to live). You understand that 'aufgewachsen' specifically refers to your childhood and youth, whereas 'leben' can refer to any time in your life. This distinction helps you to tell simple chronological stories about your life: 'Ich bin in Spanien aufgewachsen, aber jetzt lebe ich in Deutschland' (I grew up in Spain, but now I live in Germany).

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At the B1 intermediate level, 'aufgewachsen' becomes a highly versatile and frequently used tool in your vocabulary arsenal. You are now expected to use it confidently in complex sentences, particularly in relative clauses. For instance, you can construct sentences like 'Die Stadt, in der ich aufgewachsen bin, ist sehr schön' (The city where I grew up is very beautiful). Notice how the auxiliary verb 'bin' moves to the very end of the relative clause. This is a key B1 grammar skill. Additionally, you start using 'aufgewachsen' with adverbs to describe *how* you grew up, not just *where*. Phrases like 'zweisprachig aufgewachsen' (raised bilingual), 'streng aufgewachsen' (raised strictly), or 'behütet aufgewachsen' (raised sheltered) become part of your repertoire. This allows you to express more abstract concepts about your upbringing and cultural background, which is essential for B1-level discussions about identity, education, and society. You also learn to differentiate 'aufgewachsen' from related verbs like 'erzogen' (raised/educated by parents). You understand that 'aufgewachsen' focuses on the environment and the process of maturing, while 'erzogen' focuses on the active parenting process. This semantic precision is a hallmark of B1 proficiency. Finally, you will frequently encounter 'aufgewachsen' in B1 reading and listening materials, such as biographies, interviews, and articles about people's lives, making it crucial for your overall comprehension.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your use of 'aufgewachsen' becomes much more sophisticated and integrated into complex grammatical structures. A major focus at this level is using 'aufgewachsen' as an attributive adjective. Instead of using a relative clause, you learn to place the participle directly before a noun, applying the correct adjective declension rules. For example, 'ein in Berlin aufgewachsenes Kind' (a child who grew up in Berlin) or 'die zweisprachig aufgewachsenen Schüler' (the students who grew up bilingual). This structure is highly typical of written German, journalism, and formal speech, and mastering it demonstrates a strong command of German syntax. Furthermore, at B2, you use 'aufgewachsen' to discuss broader sociological and cultural topics. You might debate the advantages of growing up in a city versus the countryside ('in der Stadt aufgewachsen' vs. 'auf dem Land aufgewachsen'), or discuss the impact of growing up in a multicultural environment. The vocabulary surrounding the word also expands; you use it in conjunction with terms like 'das Umfeld' (environment), 'die Verhältnisse' (conditions), and 'die Prägung' (shaping/influence). You are also expected to recognize and use synonyms like 'großgeworden' in colloquial contexts, understanding the subtle shifts in register. Your ability to narrate detailed, nuanced biographical accounts using 'aufgewachsen' is a key indicator of your B2 fluency.

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At the C1 advanced level, 'aufgewachsen' is utilized with near-native precision, seamlessly blending into highly complex and abstract discourse. You are not just talking about physical locations anymore; you are using the term to analyze psychological, sociological, and historical contexts. You might encounter or produce phrases like 'in zerrütteten familiären Verhältnissen aufgewachsen' (grown up in broken family conditions) or 'in einer Zeit des politischen Umbruchs aufgewachsen' (grown up in a time of political upheaval). The word is used to establish causality and explain deep-seated behaviors or worldviews. In academic and professional writing, you confidently employ extended participial phrases (erweiterte Partizipialattribute) featuring 'aufgewachsen' to compress complex information into elegant, dense sentences. For example: 'Die in einem stark von traditionellen Werten geprägten Umfeld aufgewachsenen Probanden zeigten...' (The subjects, who grew up in an environment strongly influenced by traditional values, showed...). At this level, you also have a deep intuitive grasp of the stylistic differences between 'aufgewachsen', 'herangewachsen', and 'sozialisiert', choosing the exact right term depending on whether the text is a literary biography, a sociological study, or a journalistic profile. Your use of the word is flawless regarding auxiliary verbs, word order, and adjectival declension, reflecting a mastery of German grammar and stylistics.

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At the C2 mastery level, your command of 'aufgewachsen' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You employ the word effortlessly across all registers, from the most colloquial regional dialects (where you might playfully use 'großgeworden' or local equivalents) to the highest forms of academic and literary German. You appreciate the subtle poetic and rhythmic qualities of the word in literature, understanding how authors use a character's upbringing ('das Aufwachsen') to foreshadow their destiny or explain their tragic flaws. At this level, you can deconstruct the morphological and etymological roots of the word, understanding how the prefix 'auf-' contributes to the semantic field of upward development and completion. You can engage in deep philosophical or psychological debates about the nature of childhood, using 'aufgewachsen' as a foundational concept to discuss theories of socialization, generational trauma, or cultural assimilation. Furthermore, you can effortlessly correct subtle errors made by lower-level learners, explaining not just the grammatical rule (e.g., why it takes 'sein'), but the underlying linguistic logic of state-change verbs in Germanic languages. Your use of 'aufgewachsen' at C2 is characterized by absolute precision, stylistic elegance, and a profound understanding of its cultural and linguistic resonance.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

aufgewachsen en 30 segundos

Past participle of 'aufwachsen' (to grow up).
Always used with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (Ich bin aufgewachsen).
Describes the location or environment of your childhood.
Can be used as an adjective (ein in Berlin aufgewachsenes Kind).

The German word 'aufgewachsen' is the past participle of the inseparable, irregular verb 'aufwachsen', which translates to 'to grow up' in English. When we analyze the morphological structure of this word, we can see it is composed of the prefix 'auf-', which often denotes an upward movement or a process of development, and the root verb 'wachsen', meaning 'to grow'. Together, they form a concept that is deeply tied to human development, childhood, and the environment in which a person is raised. Understanding 'aufgewachsen' requires recognizing its dual function in German grammar: it serves both as a crucial component of the perfect tense to describe past events and as an attributive adjective to describe a state of being.

Linguistic Function: It primarily functions as a past participle used with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be) rather than 'haben' (to have), because it describes a change of state or a process of development over time.

Ich bin in einer kleinen Stadt im Süden Deutschlands aufgewachsen.

When you use this word, you are not merely stating a physical fact about increasing in height or age; rather, you are conveying a holistic picture of your formative years. It encompasses the cultural, linguistic, and social environment that shaped your identity. For instance, someone who is 'zweisprachig aufgewachsen' (raised bilingual) carries a specific cognitive and cultural background that is immediately understood by the listener. Furthermore, the term is frequently employed in biographical narratives, resumes, and personal introductions. It is one of the most fundamental vocabulary items for anyone aiming to achieve a B1 level or higher, as discussing one's origins and background is a standard topic in both casual conversations and formal interviews.

Cultural Connotation: In German-speaking cultures, where you grew up often implies certain dialectal influences, cultural traditions, and even culinary preferences, making 'aufgewachsen' a gateway word to deeper cultural exchanges.

Sie ist auf dem Land aufgewachsen und liebt die Natur.

The versatility of 'aufgewachsen' extends to its use as an adjective. When placed before a noun, it must be declined according to the standard rules of German adjective declension. For example, 'ein in Berlin aufgewachsenes Kind' (a child who grew up in Berlin) demonstrates how the participle can encapsulate an entire relative clause ('ein Kind, das in Berlin aufgewachsen ist') into a concise, elegant phrase. This adjectival use is particularly common in written German, journalism, and literature.

Wir sind unter schwierigen Bedingungen aufgewachsen.

Synonymous Contexts: While 'großgeworden' is a colloquial alternative, 'aufgewachsen' remains the standard, universally accepted term across all registers of the German language.

Er ist als Einzelkind aufgewachsen.

Die dort aufgewachsenen Jugendlichen kennen sich gut aus.

In summary, mastering 'aufgewachsen' is not just about memorizing a vocabulary word; it is about acquiring a fundamental tool for personal expression, storytelling, and connecting with others on a human level. It bridges the gap between simple geographical facts and complex personal histories, making it an indispensable asset in your German language journey.

Using 'aufgewachsen' correctly in German requires a solid understanding of sentence structure, auxiliary verbs, and context. As a past participle, its most frequent application is in the Perfekt (present perfect) and Plusquamperfekt (past perfect) tenses. The golden rule that every learner must internalize is that 'aufwachsen' is a verb of state change and therefore strictly requires the auxiliary verb 'sein'. You will never hear a native speaker say 'Ich habe aufgewachsen'. Instead, the correct formulation is always 'Ich bin aufgewachsen'.

Basic Sentence Structure: In a main clause, the conjugated form of 'sein' takes the second position, while 'aufgewachsen' is pushed to the very end of the sentence, creating the classic German sentence bracket (Satzklammer).

Mein bester Freund ist in der Hauptstadt aufgewachsen.

This bracketing effect means that all additional information—such as where, how, or with whom someone grew up—must be placed between the auxiliary verb and the participle. For example, 'Ich bin in einem kleinen Dorf in den Alpen bei meinen Großeltern aufgewachsen'. The flexibility of this middle field (Mittelfeld) allows for highly detailed and descriptive sentences. Beyond the perfect tenses, 'aufgewachsen' is extensively used as an attributive adjective. This is a more advanced usage typical of B2 and C1 levels, where the participle is placed directly before a noun and must take the appropriate adjective ending.

Adjectival Declension: When used as an adjective, it follows the strong, weak, or mixed declension paradigms depending on the preceding article.

Das in Armut aufgewachsene Mädchen wurde eine berühmte Ärztin.

This adjectival construction is a highly efficient way to compress information. Instead of writing a cumbersome relative clause ('Das Mädchen, das in Armut aufgewachsen ist...'), the writer can deliver the same meaning smoothly and professionally. Furthermore, 'aufgewachsen' frequently pairs with adverbs to describe the manner of upbringing. Common collocations include 'zweisprachig aufgewachsen' (raised bilingual), 'behütet aufgewachsen' (raised sheltered), and 'streng aufgewachsen' (raised strictly).

Viele Kinder in dieser Region sind mehrsprachig aufgewachsen.

Relative Clauses: In relative clauses, the conjugated auxiliary verb 'sein' moves to the very end of the sentence, following 'aufgewachsen'.

Ich besuche oft das Haus, in dem ich aufgewachsen bin.

Sie ist in einer musikalischen Familie aufgewachsen.

Mastering these various syntactic structures—main clauses, adjectival phrases, and relative clauses—will significantly elevate your German proficiency and allow you to discuss personal histories with native-like fluency and precision.

The term 'aufgewachsen' is ubiquitous in the German-speaking world, permeating almost every layer of social interaction, media, and literature. You will encounter it most frequently in introductory conversations. When people meet for the first time, especially in settings like university orientations, language courses, or new workplaces, discussing one's origins is a standard icebreaker. Questions like 'Wo bist du aufgewachsen?' (Where did you grow up?) are incredibly common and serve as a foundation for building rapport.

Everyday Conversations: In casual settings, people use it to share personal anecdotes, compare childhood experiences, and discuss regional differences in dialect or culture.

Ich bin in Köln aufgewachsen, deshalb liebe ich den Karneval.

Beyond casual chat, 'aufgewachsen' is a staple in formal and professional environments. During job interviews, candidates often use it to explain their background, especially if their upbringing contributed to specific skills, such as bilingualism or intercultural competence. 'Da ich in den USA aufgewachsen bin, spreche ich fließend Englisch' is a powerful statement in a professional context. In the realm of media and journalism, the word appears constantly in profiles, interviews, and documentaries. When a newspaper publishes a feature on a politician, artist, or athlete, their formative years are inevitably described using this participle.

Media and Journalism: Journalists use it to provide context about a public figure's roots, often highlighting how their upbringing influenced their current worldview or career path.

Der Autor ist in der DDR aufgewachsen, was seine Romane stark prägt.

Furthermore, literature and storytelling rely heavily on 'aufgewachsen' to establish character backgrounds. Whether in a classic German novel or a modern short story, describing where and how a protagonist grew up is essential for character development.

Wer auf einer Insel aufgewachsen ist, hat oft eine besondere Beziehung zum Meer.

Academic Contexts: In academic texts, particularly in sociology and education, the term is used to analyze demographic trends and developmental environments.

Die Studie untersucht Kinder, die in städtischen Gebieten aufgewachsen sind.

Er ist in einer Zeit des Umbruchs aufgewachsen.

In conclusion, 'aufgewachsen' is not restricted to any single domain; it is a universal term that bridges the gap between casual small talk, professional introductions, journalistic reporting, and literary expression. Recognizing its widespread use will help you comprehend a vast array of German texts and conversations.

While 'aufgewachsen' is a highly frequent and essential word, it is also a source of several common errors for German learners, particularly those whose native language is English. The most pervasive mistake, as previously mentioned, is the incorrect choice of the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense. Because English uses 'have' (I have grown up), learners instinctively translate this to 'Ich habe aufgewachsen'. This is fundamentally incorrect in German.

Auxiliary Verb Error: Verbs indicating a change of state or condition, like growing from a child to an adult, strictly require 'sein'. Always use 'Ich bin aufgewachsen'.

FALSCH: Ich habe in London aufgewachsen. RICHTIG: Ich bin in London aufgewachsen.

Another frequent error involves the confusion between 'aufgewachsen' and 'erzogen' (raised/educated). In English, 'I was raised in Berlin' and 'I grew up in Berlin' are often used interchangeably. In German, however, there is a distinct semantic difference. 'Aufgewachsen' refers to the general process and location of growing up, while 'erzogen' specifically refers to the active process of parenting, education, and instilling values.

Prepositional Mistakes: Learners often use the wrong prepositions when describing where they grew up. For example, using 'an' instead of 'auf' for rural areas.

FALSCH: Ich bin in einem Bauernhof aufgewachsen. RICHTIG: Ich bin auf einem Bauernhof aufgewachsen.

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the adjectival use of 'aufgewachsen', particularly regarding adjective declension. When placing 'aufgewachsen' before a noun, the ending must match the gender, case, and number of the noun, as well as the preceding article.

Ein in Deutschland aufgewachsener Hund (Nominative, masculine, mixed declension).

Word Order: Placing 'aufgewachsen' too early in the sentence is a classic syntax error. It must go to the very end of the main clause.

FALSCH: Ich bin aufgewachsen in Berlin. RICHTIG: Ich bin in Berlin aufgewachsen.

Er ist bei seiner Tante aufgewachsen.

By being mindful of the auxiliary verb 'sein', distinguishing it from 'erzogen', using correct prepositions, mastering adjective declensions, and respecting German word order, you can easily avoid these common pitfalls and use 'aufgewachsen' with confidence and accuracy.

To fully grasp the nuances of 'aufgewachsen', it is highly beneficial to compare it with similar words and synonyms in the German language. While 'aufgewachsen' is the most standard and versatile term for 'grown up', several other verbs and participles occupy a similar semantic space, each carrying its own subtle connotations and specific use cases.

Großgeworden: The most direct synonym is 'großgeworden' (literally: become big). This is slightly more colloquial and informal than 'aufgewachsen', often used in spoken German among friends and family.

Wir sind zusammen in diesem Viertel aufgewachsen (oder großgeworden).

Another related concept is 'erzogen' (raised/educated), which we touched upon in the common mistakes section. While 'aufgewachsen' focuses on the environment and the passive experience of growing older in a certain place, 'erzogen' emphasizes the active role of parents or guardians in shaping a child's character, manners, and beliefs.

Herangewachsen: A more literary or formal synonym is 'herangewachsen'. This term emphasizes the biological and developmental process of maturing from a child into an adolescent or adult.

Der Junge ist zu einem kräftigen Mann herangewachsen.

Furthermore, the noun 'die Kindheit' (childhood) and the phrase 'seine Kindheit verbringen' (to spend one's childhood) are frequently used as alternatives to express the same core idea. Instead of saying 'Ich bin in München aufgewachsen', one could say 'Ich habe meine Kindheit in München verbracht'. This variation is excellent for avoiding repetition in longer texts or speeches.

Sozialisiert: In academic or sociological contexts, you might encounter the term 'sozialisiert' (socialized), which refers to the process of learning the norms and ideologies of a society.

Sie ist in einem akademischen Umfeld aufgewachsen und sozialisiert worden.

Die beiden sind im selben Dorf aufgewachsen.

Er ist als Waisenkind aufgewachsen.

By understanding these subtle distinctions between 'aufgewachsen', 'großgeworden', 'erzogen', 'herangewachsen', and 'sozialisiert', you can choose the exact word that fits the tone, register, and specific meaning you wish to convey, thereby significantly enriching your German vocabulary.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Ich bin in Berlin aufgewachsen.

I grew up in Berlin.

Use 'bin' (am) with 'aufgewachsen', not 'habe' (have).

Wo bist du aufgewachsen?

Where did you grow up?

Question format: verb 'bist' comes first, 'aufgewachsen' at the end.

Er ist in Spanien aufgewachsen.

He grew up in Spain.

Third person singular uses 'ist'.

Wir sind hier aufgewachsen.

We grew up here.

Plural 'wir' uses 'sind'.

Sie ist in einer Stadt aufgewachsen.

She grew up in a city.

'in einer Stadt' uses the dative case for location.

Bist du hier aufgewachsen?

Did you grow up here?

Yes/No question structure.

Mein Vater ist in Italien aufgewachsen.

My father grew up in Italy.

Vocabulary integration with family members.

Ich bin nicht in Deutschland aufgewachsen.

I did not grow up in Germany.

Negation 'nicht' comes before the location.

Ich bin auf dem Land aufgewachsen.

I grew up in the countryside.

Use 'auf dem Land' for countryside, not 'in'.

Sie sind zusammen in München aufgewachsen.

They grew up together in Munich.

Adverb 'zusammen' adds detail to the upbringing.

Mein Bruder und ich sind auf einem Bauernhof aufgewachsen.

My brother and I grew up on a farm.

'auf einem Bauernhof' requires dative case.

Er ist in einer großen Familie aufgewachsen.

He grew up in a large family.

Describing the social environment using 'in einer...'.

Ich bin in der Nähe von Frankfurt aufgewachsen.

I grew up near Frankfurt.

Using 'in der Nähe von' to specify location.

Wo sind Ihre Eltern aufgewachsen?

Where did your parents grow up?

Formal 'Ihre' and plural 'sind'.

Als Kind bin ich in der Schweiz aufgewachsen.

As a child, I grew up in Switzerland.

'in der Schweiz' requires the article 'der'.

Wir sind sehr glücklich aufgewachsen.

We grew up very happily.

Using an adjective/adverb to describe the manner of growing up.

Das ist die Stadt, in der ich aufgewachsen bin.

That is the city where I grew up.

Relative clause: 'bin' moves to the very end.

Weil ich zweisprachig aufgewachsen bin, spreche ich gut Englisch.

Because I grew up bilingual, I speak English well.

Subordinate clause with 'weil' pushes 'bin' to the end.

Sie ist in ärmlichen Verhältnissen aufgewachsen.

She grew up in poor conditions.

Advanced vocabulary: 'in ... Verhältnissen'.

Obwohl er in Amerika aufgewachsen ist, spricht er perfekt Deutsch.

Although he grew up in America, he speaks perfect German.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Kinder, die heute aufwachsen, nutzen viel Technologie.

Children who are growing up today use a lot of technology.

Present tense 'aufwachsen' used in a relative clause.

Ich bin sehr behütet aufgewachsen und hatte eine schöne Kindheit.

I grew up very sheltered and had a beautiful childhood.

Using 'behütet' as an adverbial participle.

Er ist ohne Vater aufgewachsen.

He grew up without a father.

Using the preposition 'ohne'.

Es ist wichtig, wo man aufgewachsen ist.

It is important where one grew up.

Indirect question acting as a subordinate clause.

Das in Berlin aufgewachsene Mädchen zog später nach London.

The girl who grew up in Berlin later moved to London.

Attributive use of the participle: 'aufgewachsene' with weak declension.

Zweisprachig aufgewachsene Kinder haben oft kognitive Vorteile.

Children raised bilingual often have cognitive advantages.

Plural attributive adjective without an article (strong declension).

Seine streng katholisch aufgewachsene Mutter war strikt dagegen.

His mother, who was raised strictly Catholic, was strictly against it.

Combining adverbs ('streng katholisch') with the attributive participle.

Er reflektiert oft über das Milieu, in dem er aufgewachsen ist.

He often reflects on the social environment in which he grew up.

Advanced vocabulary 'das Milieu' with a relative clause.

Unter diesen schwierigen Bedingungen aufzuwachsen, prägt den Charakter.

Growing up under these difficult conditions shapes one's character.

Infinitive clause with 'zu' inserted into the separable verb: 'auf-zu-wachsen'.

Sie ist in dem Glauben aufgewachsen, dass harte Arbeit alles besiegt.

She grew up believing that hard work conquers all.

Abstract noun phrase 'in dem Glauben aufgewachsen'.

Viele der dort aufgewachsenen Jugendlichen verlassen die Region.

Many of the youths who grew up there leave the region.

Partitive genitive 'Viele der...' followed by attributive participle.

Ein behütet aufgewachsenes Kind kennt solche Sorgen nicht.

A sheltered child does not know such worries.

Mixed declension 'aufgewachsenes' after the indefinite article 'Ein'.

Die in prekären Verhältnissen aufgewachsenen Probanden zeigten eine höhere Resilienz.

The test subjects who grew up in precarious conditions showed higher resilience.

Extended participial attribute typical of academic writing.

Er ist in einer Zeit des tiefgreifenden politischen Umbruchs aufgewachsen.

He grew up in a time of profound political upheaval.

Complex genitive construction 'einer Zeit des tiefgreifenden politischen Umbruchs'.

Ihre Romane sind stark von dem ländlichen Idyll geprägt, in dem sie aufwuchs.

Her novels are strongly influenced by the rural idyll in which she grew up.

Using the Präteritum (simple past) 'aufwuchs' in a literary context.

Fernab der Zivilisation aufgewachsen, fiel ihm die Integration in die Stadtgesellschaft schwer.

Having grown up far from civilization, integrating into urban society was difficult for him.

Participle phrase used at the beginning of the sentence for stylistic effect.

Das Aufwachsen in einer digitalen Welt erfordert neue medienpädagogische Ansätze.

Growing up in a digital world requires new media-pedagogical approaches.

Nominalization of the verb: 'Das Aufwachsen'.

Sie ist mit dem unerschütterlichen Ethos der Arbeiterklasse aufgewachsen.

She grew up with the unwavering ethos of the working class.

Abstract prepositional phrase 'mit dem unerschütterlichen Ethos'.

Als in der Diaspora aufgewachsener Autor thematisiert er oft die Entwurzelung.

As an author raised in the diaspora, he often addresses uprootedness.

Apposition with an attributive participle 'Als ... aufgewachsener Autor'.

Die Diskrepanz zwischen den städtisch und den ländlich aufgewachsenen Wählern wächst.

The discrepancy between urban and rural-raised voters is growing.

Parallel structure with adverbs modifying the participle.

Das in der Nachkriegszeit aufgewachsene Bürgertum war von einem tiefen Sicherheitsbedürfnis getrieben.

The bourgeoisie, having grown up in the post-war era, was driven by a deep need for security.

Highly complex sociological phrasing with extended attributes.

Inmitten der intellektuellen Avantgarde aufgewachsen zu sein, verlieh ihr eine natürliche Eloquenz.

Having grown up amidst the intellectual avant-garde gave her a natural eloquence.

Perfect infinitive phrase 'aufgewachsen zu sein' acting as the subject.

Er kokettierte oft mit dem Umstand, in geradezu ärmlichen Verhältnissen aufgewachsen zu sein.

He often flirted with the fact that he had grown up in downright impoverished conditions.

Infinitive construction following a prepositional object 'mit dem Umstand'.

Die Lyrik jener Epoche spiegelt die Zerrissenheit einer zwischen zwei Weltkriegen aufgewachsenen Generation wider.

The poetry of that era reflects the inner turmoil of a generation raised between two world wars.

Nested genitive and participial attributes.

Ihre von strenger Askese geprägte Kindheit lässt darauf schließen, wie sie aufgewachsen ist.

Her childhood, characterized by strict asceticism, suggests how she was raised.

Interplay between 'Kindheit' and the indirect question 'wie sie aufgewachsen ist'.

Obgleich in privilegierten Sphären aufgewachsen, widmete er sein Leben den Marginalisierten.

Although raised in privileged spheres, he dedicated his life to the marginalized.

Elliptical concessive clause 'Obgleich ... aufgewachsen'.

Das Narrativ des sich selbst erarbeiteten Erfolgs verblasst, wenn man betrachtet, wie behütet er aufwuchs.

The narrative of self-made success fades when one considers how sheltered he grew up.

Literary use of the Präteritum 'aufwuchs' in a subordinate clause.

Ein derart kosmopolitisch aufgewachsenes Individuum empfindet nationale Grenzen oft als obsolet.

Such a cosmopolitically raised individual often perceives national borders as obsolete.

Sophisticated adverbial modification 'derart kosmopolitisch'.

Colocaciones comunes

in der Stadt aufgewachsen

auf dem Land aufgewachsen

zweisprachig aufgewachsen

behütet aufgewachsen

streng aufgewachsen

in ärmlichen Verhältnissen aufgewachsen

als Einzelkind aufgewachsen

zusammen aufgewachsen

glücklich aufgewachsen

im Ausland aufgewachsen

Frases Comunes

Wo bist du aufgewachsen?

Ich bin hier aufgewachsen.

Wir sind zusammen aufgewachsen.

Da bin ich aufgewachsen.

Er ist zweisprachig aufgewachsen.

Sie ist auf dem Land aufgewachsen.

Ich bin in einer Großstadt aufgewachsen.

Wir sind in bescheidenen Verhältnissen aufgewachsen.

Er ist ohne Vater aufgewachsen.

Sie ist sehr behütet aufgewachsen.

Se confunde a menudo con

aufgewachsen vs erzogen (raised/educated - focuses on parenting)

aufgewachsen vs gewachsen (grown - general physical growth)

aufgewachsen vs erwachsen (adult - the state of being fully grown)

Modismos y expresiones

Fácil de confundir

aufgewachsen vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

note

While 'aufwachsen' literally means 'to grow up', it is almost exclusively used for humans and sometimes animals. For plants, use 'wachsen' or 'gedeihen'. For businesses or abstract concepts, use 'wachsen' or 'sich entwickeln'.

Errores comunes

Using 'haben' instead of 'sein' (e.g., Ich habe aufgewachsen).
Confusing 'aufgewachsen' (environment) with 'erzogen' (parenting).
Using the wrong preposition for countryside (e.g., in dem Land instead of auf dem Land).
Placing 'aufgewachsen' in the middle of the sentence instead of at the end.
Forgetting to decline it when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., das aufgewachsen Kind instead of das aufgewachsene Kind).

Consejos

Always use SEIN

Never say 'Ich habe aufgewachsen'. It is always 'Ich bin aufgewachsen'. This is the number one mistake English speakers make.

Use with Adverbs

Enhance your sentences by adding adverbs. 'Ich bin glücklich aufgewachsen' (I grew up happily) or 'Ich bin streng aufgewachsen' (I grew up strictly).

In vs. Auf

Use 'in' for cities and countries (in Berlin, in der Schweiz). Use 'auf' for rural areas (auf dem Land, auf einem Bauernhof).

Stress the Prefix

Make sure to put the vocal stress on the 'AUF'. It is AUF-ge-wach-sen, not auf-GE-wach-sen.

Adjective Declension

When writing formal texts, try using it as an adjective: 'Das in Spanien aufgewachsene Kind'. It sounds very professional and native-like.

Great Icebreaker

Asking 'Wo bist du aufgewachsen?' is a perfect, polite way to start a conversation with a German speaker and learn about their background.

Mix it up with Großgeworden

In casual conversations with friends, try using 'großgeworden' instead of 'aufgewachsen' to sound more relaxed and natural.

Not for Plants

Remember that 'aufgewachsen' is for humans and animals. Don't use it to say your tomato plants grew up; use 'gewachsen' instead.

Send it to the End

In a main clause, 'aufgewachsen' must go to the very end of the sentence. 'Ich bin in einer sehr kleinen und ruhigen Stadt aufgewachsen.'

Spotting Relative Clauses

When reading, watch out for relative clauses: 'Die Stadt, in der ich aufgewachsen bin'. The auxiliary verb 'bin' will always be at the very end.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine you are looking UP (auf) at a giant WAX (wachsen) statue of yourself as a child in your hometown. You grew UP in that town.

Origen de la palabra

From Middle High German 'ūfwahsen', Old High German 'ūfwahsan'.

Contexto cultural

Phrases like 'in der DDR aufgewachsen' carry deep historical and social weight, referring to the 'Ostalgie' or specific experiences of the generation raised before 1989.

Saying you grew up 'auf dem Land' (in the countryside) often implies a love for nature and traditional values, while 'in der Stadt' implies a more cosmopolitan or fast-paced upbringing.

In some southern dialects, people might prefer 'großgeworden' over 'aufgewachsen' in casual speech.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"Wo bist du eigentlich aufgewachsen?"

"Bist du in der Stadt oder auf dem Land aufgewachsen?"

"Wie war es, dort aufzuwachsen?"

"Bist du mit Geschwistern aufgewachsen?"

"Bist du zweisprachig aufgewachsen?"

Temas para diario

Beschreibe den Ort, an dem du aufgewachsen bist.

Wie hat der Ort, an dem du aufgewachsen bist, deine Persönlichkeit geprägt?

Was war das Beste daran, dort aufzuwachsen?

Vergleiche den Ort, an dem du aufgewachsen bist, mit dem Ort, an dem du jetzt lebst.

Wärst du lieber woanders aufgewachsen? Warum?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

You must always use 'sein'. Because 'aufwachsen' describes a change of state (from a child to an adult), it takes 'sein' in the perfect tense. For example: 'Ich bin aufgewachsen', not 'Ich habe aufgewachsen'.

'Aufgewachsen' refers to the environment and the general process of growing up (e.g., 'Ich bin in Berlin aufgewachsen'). 'Erzogen' refers to the active process of being raised or educated by parents or guardians (e.g., 'Meine Eltern haben mich streng erzogen').

Yes, you can use it for animals, especially pets. For example, 'Der Hund ist mit Katzen aufgewachsen' (The dog grew up with cats). However, for farm animals or breeding, 'gezüchtet' is often used.

You say 'Ich bin auf dem Land aufgewachsen'. Note the use of the preposition 'auf' and the dative case 'dem Land'. Do not use 'in' for the countryside.

Yes, the infinitive is 'aufwachsen'. In the past participle, the 'ge' is inserted between the prefix 'auf' and the root 'wachsen', making it 'aufgewachsen'.

Absolutely. It is very common in written German. For example, 'ein in München aufgewachsenes Kind' means 'a child who grew up in Munich'. It must follow adjective declension rules.

It means 'raised bilingual' or 'grew up bilingual'. It is a very common phrase used on resumes or in introductions to indicate that someone learned two languages natively from childhood.

While not exactly slang, 'großgeworden' is a very common, slightly more colloquial alternative. You might hear 'Ich bin hier im Viertel großgeworden' (I grew up here in the neighborhood).

To ask formally, you use the 'Sie' form: 'Wo sind Sie aufgewachsen?' For informal situations, use 'Wo bist du aufgewachsen?'.

Because 'aufwachsen' is a separable verb. In German, separable verbs form their past participle by putting the 'ge' between the separable prefix ('auf') and the verb stem ('wachsen').

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Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a simple sentence stating you grew up in Paris.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 'bin' + location + 'aufgewachsen'.