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B1 Präpositionalkontraktion #33 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

aufs

Top 33

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces aufs en 30 secondes

Explication aufs in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that 'aufs' is a short way of saying 'auf das'. You use it when you want to say you are putting something 'on' or going 'onto' something that is a 'das' word. For example, 'das Bett' (the bed) or 'das Sofa' (the sofa). If you want to say 'I put the book on the bed', you say 'Ich lege das Buch aufs Bett'. It is important to remember that 'aufs' is only for movement. You are moving the book from your hand to the bed. You also use it for some common places, like 'aufs Klo gehen' (to go to the toilet). This is a very common phrase you will hear in Germany. At this level, don't worry too much about the complex grammar rules. Just remember: Auf + Das = Aufs. Use it for 'das' words when there is action or movement. It makes your German sound much more natural than saying 'auf das' every time. Practice with simple objects in your room: 'Ich lege das Handy aufs Regal', 'Ich setze mich aufs Sofa'.

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In A2, you expand your use of 'aufs' to more common everyday expressions and locations. You will learn that 'aufs Land' means 'to the countryside'. If you live in a city and go to a farm for the weekend, you say 'Ich fahre aufs Land'. You also start to see 'aufs' with verbs like 'warten' (to wait). If you are waiting for 'das Taxi', you can say 'Ich warte aufs Taxi'. This is because 'warten' often uses the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative case. Another important thing at A2 is distinguishing between 'aufs' (movement) and 'auf dem' (no movement). 'Ich springe aufs Fahrrad' (I jump onto the bike) vs. 'Ich sitze auf dem Fahrrad' (I am sitting on the bike). You should also notice that 'aufs' is used for technology, like 'aufs Handy' or 'aufs Tablet'. It's a very useful word for describing daily activities and plans. Try to use it whenever you talk about moving something to a neutral-gender surface.

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At the B1 level, you begin to use 'aufs' in more abstract and idiomatic ways. You will encounter phrases like 'aufs Ganze gehen', which means 'to go all out' or 'to go for broke'. You also learn that 'aufs' can be used with substantivized adjectives to describe how something is done. For example, 'aufs Beste' means 'in the best way' or 'excellently'. 'Aufs Neue' means 'anew' or 'once again'. These expressions are very common in written German and more sophisticated conversations. You also need to be careful with adjective endings after 'aufs'. Since 'aufs' includes the definite article 'das', any adjective that follows will take the weak declension ending '-e' in the accusative. For example, 'aufs alte Dach' (onto the old roof). You should also be comfortable using 'aufs' with a wide range of neutral nouns like 'Amt', 'Gymnasium', or 'Schiff'. Understanding the difference between 'aufs' and 'ins' becomes more nuanced here, as some locations can take both depending on the perspective (e.g., 'aufs Konzert' vs 'ins Konzert').

At the B2 level, you should have a firm command of 'aufs' in both literal and figurative contexts. You will use it in complex sentence structures and understand its role in formal writing. While 'aufs' is a contraction, it is perfectly acceptable in most journalistic and literary texts. You will learn more advanced idioms like 'jemandem aufs Dach steigen' (to give someone a talking-to) or 'etwas aufs Spiel setzen' (to put something at risk/stake). In these cases, 'aufs' is part of a fixed verbal expression. You should also be able to explain the grammatical reason for the contraction (the fusion of preposition and article) and why it's preferred over 'auf das'. At this level, you might also explore regional differences, noting that in some dialects, contractions are used even more frequently. Your use of 'aufs' should be automatic, especially with verbs that take 'auf' as a fixed prepositional object, such as 'sich konzentrieren auf' (to concentrate on). 'Ich konzentriere mich aufs Studium'.

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By C1, 'aufs' is a tool you use with stylistic precision. You understand that while 'aufs' is the standard, choosing 'auf das' can provide specific emphasis or rhythmic variation in a sentence. You will encounter 'aufs' in high-level academic or philosophical texts where it is used with abstract neutral nouns. For example, 'der Zugriff aufs Wissen' (access to knowledge). You also master the use of 'aufs' with superlatives to create adverbial phrases: 'aufs Äußerste' (to the extreme), 'aufs Herzlichste' (most cordially). These forms add a layer of sophistication to your speech and writing. You are also aware of the historical development of these contractions and how they reflect the phonological evolution of the German language. You can distinguish between 'aufs' as a simple contraction and its role in complex idiomatic structures where the literal meaning of 'auf' has been lost. Your ability to use 'aufs' correctly in every context, including those with multiple adjectives or relative clauses, is a sign of near-native fluency.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'aufs' is complete. You use it with the same ease and nuance as a native speaker, recognizing its subtle impact on the tone and flow of a sentence. You are familiar with rare or archaic uses of 'aufs' in classical literature and can interpret them correctly. You understand how 'aufs' interacts with other linguistic elements, such as particles or modal verbs, to convey precise meanings. You might use 'aufs' in creative writing to evoke a specific atmosphere or to mimic certain dialects. You are also capable of discussing the linguistic theory behind prepositional contractions, such as their role in the 'Prosodic Hierarchy' of German. For you, 'aufs' is not just a grammar rule but a flexible element of the language that you can manipulate for rhetorical effect. Whether you are writing a formal essay, a poem, or engaging in a high-level debate, 'aufs' is used flawlessly and naturally, reflecting a deep internalization of German syntax and semantics.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

aufs en 30 secondes

Aufs is the standard contraction of 'auf das', used exclusively with neuter nouns in the accusative case to indicate movement or direction.
It is essential for sounding natural in German, as the full form 'auf das' is often considered too formal or emphatic for daily use.
Common literal uses include placing objects on surfaces (aufs Bett), while abstract uses include idioms (aufs Ganze gehen) and locations (aufs Land).
Learners must distinguish 'aufs' (movement/accusative) from 'auf dem' (location/dative) and ensure the noun following it is always neuter.

The German word aufs is a linguistic fusion, a contraction of the preposition 'auf' (on/onto) and the definite article 'das' (the) in the accusative case. This contraction is not merely a shortcut; it is the standard, preferred form in both spoken and written German when referring to movement toward a neutral noun. In the landscape of German grammar, contractions like 'aufs' represent the fluid nature of the language, where the preposition and article merge to create a more rhythmic and efficient sentence structure. Understanding 'aufs' requires a grasp of the 'Wechselpräpositionen' or two-way prepositions. These prepositions can take either the dative or the accusative case depending on whether they describe a static location or a dynamic movement. Because 'aufs' contains 'das' (accusative), it is strictly reserved for expressing direction or movement toward the top or surface of something.

Grammatical Composition: Aufs is formed by taking the preposition 'auf' and appending the 's' from 'das'. It is only applicable to neuter nouns in the accusative case.

Wir klettern gemeinsam aufs Dach, um die Sterne zu sehen.

Beyond physical surfaces, 'aufs' is heavily utilized in idiomatic expressions and abstract concepts. For instance, when one goes 'to the countryside' (aufs Land), 'aufs' is the mandatory choice. It suggests a movement from the urban center out toward the open expanse of the neutral 'Land'. Similarly, in administrative or social contexts, one might go 'aufs Amt' (to the office/authority). The frequency of 'aufs' in daily life is staggering. From the moment a child is told to go 'aufs Zimmer' (to their room) to an adult deciding to go 'aufs Ganze' (to go all in), the word permeates every level of German discourse. It is important to note that while 'auf das' is grammatically correct, using it instead of 'aufs' can often sound overly formal, emphatic, or even unnatural in casual conversation. The contraction serves to smooth out the phonetic transition between the preposition and the noun, allowing for a more melodic flow of speech. In technical writing, you might see 'auf das' to emphasize a specific object, but in 95% of contexts, 'aufs' is the winner.

Phonetic Ease: The 's' sound at the end of 'aufs' provides a quick bridge to the following noun, especially if that noun begins with a consonant, which is common in German neuter nouns like 'Dach', 'Haus', or 'Schiff'.

Das Kind springt voller Freude aufs Trampolin.

Historically, these contractions have been part of the German language for centuries, evolving from the need for oral economy. In modern linguistics, they are categorized as 'Präposition-Artikel-Enklise'. This means the article loses its independent status and attaches itself to the preceding preposition. For English speakers, this is somewhat analogous to 'don't' or 'can't', but with the added complexity of grammatical case and gender. Mastering 'aufs' is a significant milestone for a learner because it signals a transition from 'textbook German' to 'authentic German'. It shows that the speaker understands the subtle interplay between case, gender, and the natural rhythm of the language. Whether you are talking about putting a book 'aufs Regal' (onto the shelf) or looking forward 'aufs Wochenende' (to the weekend - though 'auf das' is more common here, 'aufs' appears in specific dialects), this small word carries a lot of weight.

Regional Variation: In some Southern German and Austrian dialects, contractions are even more aggressive, but 'aufs' remains a standard across all German-speaking regions, from Hamburg to Vienna.

Wir freuen uns schon riesig aufs nächste Mal!

Using aufs correctly requires a two-step mental check: first, is the noun neuter (das)? Second, is there a sense of movement or direction (accusative)? If both are true, 'aufs' is your primary candidate. Let's explore the various syntactic environments where 'aufs' thrives. The most literal use involves physical movement onto a surface. When you say 'Ich lege das Buch aufs Bett' (I lay the book onto the bed), you are describing a change of position. The bed is 'das Bett', and the action of laying the book is directional. Contrast this with 'Das Buch liegt auf dem Bett' (The book is lying on the bed), where 'auf dem' is used because the state is static (dative). This distinction is the heartbeat of German spatial logic.

Directional Verbs: Verbs like gehen (to go), stellen (to place upright), legen (to lay down), setzen (to set/seat), and springen (to jump) are the most frequent companions of 'aufs'.

Bitte stell das Glas aufs Tablett, damit nichts verschüttet wird.

Beyond physical movement, 'aufs' is used in temporal and abstract expressions. One of the most common is 'aufs Neue' (anew/once again). Here, 'Neue' functions as a substantivized adjective (das Neue). When you try something 'aufs Neue', you are metaphorically stepping onto a new attempt. Another abstract use is 'aufs Beste' (in the best way). These superlative constructions with 'aufs' are slightly more formal but very common in literature and high-level journalism. They describe the manner in which an action is performed. For example, 'Er hat uns aufs Beste unterhalten' (He entertained us in the best possible way).

Abstract Destinations: Aufs is often used with nouns that represent institutions or broad locations, such as 'aufs Amt' (to the office), 'aufs Land' (to the country), or 'aufs Gymnasium' (to the grammar school).

Nach dem Studium zog es ihn direkt aufs Land, weit weg vom Stadtlärm.

In sentence structure, 'aufs' usually appears in the middle of the sentence, following the verb and preceding the noun it modifies. It acts as a bridge. Because it is a contraction, it cannot be split. You cannot put an adjective between 'auf' and 's'. The adjective must come after 'aufs'. For example, 'aufs grüne Gras' (onto the green grass). Here, the adjective 'grüne' takes the weak declension ending '-e' because 'aufs' already provides the definite article signal. This is a crucial point for intermediate learners: 'aufs' functions exactly like 'auf das' for the purposes of adjective endings.

The 'Wait' Rule: Wait to use 'aufs' until you are sure the noun is neuter. If you start saying 'auf...' and realize the noun is 'der Tisch', you must pivot to 'auf den'. If you commit to 'aufs', you must follow with a 'das' noun.

Wir warten gespannt aufs Ergebnis der heutigen Prüfung.

Finally, consider the role of 'aufs' in phrasal verbs. Some verbs require 'auf' + accusative as a fixed prepositional object. 'Warten auf' (to wait for) is a classic example. If you are waiting for 'das Taxi', you are waiting 'aufs Taxi'. 'Sich freuen auf' (to look forward to) is another. 'Ich freue mich aufs Wochenende'. In these cases, there is no literal 'onto', but the grammatical structure remains identical. The contraction 'aufs' makes these very common phrases sound natural and fluent.

To hear aufs in its natural habitat, one only needs to step into a German household, a school, or a workplace. It is ubiquitous. In a domestic setting, parents constantly use it with their children: 'Leg deine Spielsachen aufs Regal!' (Put your toys on the shelf!) or 'Setz dich aufs Sofa!' (Sit on the sofa!). These are the foundational blocks of language acquisition for native speakers. The word is so ingrained that using the full 'auf das' in these contexts would sound almost robotic or like a stern warning. In schools, teachers might say, 'Schaut bitte aufs Whiteboard' (Please look at the whiteboard). Here, 'aufs' directs the students' attention toward a specific focal point.

The Workplace: In professional environments, 'aufs' appears in discussions about data and results. 'Wir müssen aufs Budget achten' (We need to pay attention to the budget) or 'Komm bitte direkt aufs Thema' (Please get straight to the point).

Könnten Sie das Paket bitte aufs Förderband legen?

In the realm of sports and leisure, 'aufs' is everywhere. If you go to a football match, you might go 'aufs Spielfeld' (onto the pitch). If you are a fan of winter sports, you go 'aufs Eis' (onto the ice). The word captures the transition from the sidelines into the heat of the action. In music and entertainment, 'aufs' is used in the phrase 'aufs Konzert gehen' (to go to the concert), although 'ins Konzert' is also common depending on the region. The subtle difference often lies in whether you view the concert as an event you are 'on' or a space you are 'in'.

Media and News: News anchors often use 'aufs' when referring to upcoming events: 'Wir blicken gespannt aufs kommende Jahr' (We look forward with excitement to the coming year).

Der Sportler konzentriert sich voll und ganz aufs Ziel.

Another place you will frequently encounter 'aufs' is in idiomatic slang. 'Aufs Maul fallen' is a very blunt way of saying someone failed miserably or literally fell on their face. 'Jemandem aufs Dach steigen' means to give someone a piece of your mind or to reprimand them. These idioms use the physical imagery of 'aufs' to convey strong social meanings. Even in the digital world, you might hear someone say 'Ich lade das Bild aufs Handy' (I'm downloading the picture onto the phone). Despite the phone being a complex device, the preposition 'auf' (and thus 'aufs') is used because we interact with its surface/screen.

Travel and Nature: When Germans talk about vacationing, 'aufs Land' or 'aufs Meer hinausfahren' (to go out onto the sea) are standard expressions that evoke a sense of freedom and movement.

Nach der Arbeit gehen wir oft noch aufs Volksfest.

In summary, 'aufs' is not a word you have to look for; it is a word that finds you. It is the sound of German life in motion. From the most mundane household chore to the most exciting holiday plans, 'aufs' provides the necessary grammatical link to describe our movement through the world of neutral objects.

The most frequent pitfall for learners using aufs is the confusion between the accusative and dative cases. This is the classic 'Wechselpräpositionen' trap. Remember: 'aufs' (auf + das) is ALWAYS accusative. It implies movement from point A to point B. A common mistake is saying 'Ich bin aufs Haus' when you mean 'I am on the house'. The correct form for a static location is 'Ich bin auf dem Haus' (dative). If you use 'aufs', the listener is waiting for you to finish the sentence with an action verb like 'geklettert' (climbed).

The Case Trap: Mistake: 'Das Buch liegt aufs Regal.' (Wrong case). Correct: 'Das Buch liegt auf dem Regal.' (Dative) OR 'Ich lege das Buch aufs Regal.' (Accusative).

Falsch: Ich sitze aufs Fahrrad. Richtig: Ich setze mich aufs Fahrrad.

Another common error is applying 'aufs' to nouns of the wrong gender. Since 'aufs' is specifically 'auf' + 'das', it cannot be used with masculine (der) or feminine (die) nouns. Beginners often try to use 'aufs' as a universal contraction for 'on the'. For example, 'aufs Tisch' is incorrect because 'Tisch' is masculine (der Tisch). It must be 'auf den Tisch'. Similarly, 'aufs Straße' is wrong because 'Straße' is feminine (die Straße); it should be 'auf die Straße'.

Gender Mismatch: Always verify the gender of the noun. Neuter nouns like Bett, Dach, Haus, Kind, Pferd, and Land are the only ones that can pair with 'aufs'.

Falsch: Er geht aufs Berg. (Der Berg is masculine). Richtig: Er geht auf den Berg.

Over-correction is also a thing. Some learners, in an attempt to be 'perfect', avoid 'aufs' and always say 'auf das'. While not grammatically wrong, it sounds unnatural in 90% of situations. It's like saying 'I am not' instead of 'I'm' in every single sentence. It creates a stilted, overly formal tone that can make social interactions feel stiff. The only time you should strictly use 'auf das' is when you want to emphasize the specific object: 'Nicht auf dieses Haus, sondern auf DAS Haus!'

Spelling and Apostrophes: In German, standard contractions like 'aufs', 'ins', and 'ans' do NOT take an apostrophe. Writing 'auf's' is a common mistake even among native speakers (influenced by English), but it is technically incorrect according to Duden rules.

Richtig: Wir gehen aufs Ganze. Falsch: Wir gehen auf's Ganze.

Finally, watch out for fixed expressions where 'aufs' might look like it's being used for a non-neuter noun, but it's actually part of a substantivized adjective. 'Aufs Äußerste' (to the utmost) is correct because 'Äußerste' is treated as a neutral noun here. This can be confusing for B1/B2 learners who are just starting to see these complex structures. Always look at the word following 'aufs'—if it's capitalized and doesn't have an obvious gender, it's likely a substantivized neutral adjective.

To truly master aufs, you must see how it fits into the family of German contractions. Its closest relatives are 'ins' (in + das) and 'ans' (an + das). All three follow the same logic: they combine a preposition with the neutral accusative article 'das' to indicate movement. However, the choice between them depends on the nature of the destination. 'Aufs' is for surfaces or tops. 'Ins' is for enclosed spaces or volumes. 'Ans' is for boundaries, edges, or vertical surfaces.

Aufs vs. Ins: 'Ich gehe aufs Haus' means you are climbing onto the roof. 'Ich gehe ins Haus' means you are entering the building. The preposition changes the entire meaning of the action.

Wir setzen uns aufs Boot (on the deck), aber wir gehen ins Boot (inside the cabin).

Another set of alternatives are the non-contracted forms. As mentioned, 'auf das' is the full version. You use it when you want to be extremely precise or when an adjective or relative clause follows that requires the article to stand alone for clarity. For example: 'Auf das Haus, das dort drüben steht' (Onto the house that stands over there). In this case, 'das' also acts as the anchor for the relative clause, making the full form more stable.

Aufs vs. Auf dem: This is the movement vs. location distinction. 'Aufs' = onto (Accusative). 'Auf dem' = on (Dative). This is the most important distinction to maintain for grammatical accuracy.

Er legt das Handy aufs Pult. Jetzt liegt es auf dem Pult.

In certain contexts, you might use 'nach' or 'zu' instead of 'auf'. If you are going to a city or a country (without an article), you use 'nach' (nach Berlin, nach Deutschland). But if you are going to the countryside, it's 'aufs Land'. If you are going to a person, you use 'zu' (zu meiner Mutter). 'Aufs' is specifically for physical or metaphorical surfaces of neutral objects.

Synonym: Hinauf auf das: If you want to emphasize the upward movement, you can say 'hinauf aufs...'. For example: 'Er kletterte hinauf aufs Dach'. It adds a layer of directional emphasis but doesn't change the basic meaning.

Statt aufs Ganze zu gehen, sollten wir vorsichtiger sein.

Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact word for the situation. While 'aufs' is the workhorse for neutral surfaces and movement, knowing when to reach for 'ins', 'ans', or 'auf dem' is what separates a beginner from a fluent speaker. Always visualize the action: is it onto a surface? Is it a neutral object? Is there movement? If yes, 'aufs' is your answer.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Contractions like 'aufs' were once considered 'low' or 'vulgar' by 18th-century grammarians who wanted to keep the language pure, but they eventually became standard.

Guide de prononciation

UK /aʊ̯fs/

US /aʊ̯fs/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

Laufs Kaufs Saufs Verlaufs Einkaufs Verkaufs Ablaufs Zulaufs

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as two syllables (auf-es).
Softening the 's' into a 'z' sound.
Failing to merge the 'f' and 's' smoothly.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize once the 'auf + das' rule is known.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering to omit the apostrophe and check noun gender.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires quick mental case/gender check during flow.

Écoute 2/5

Very common and usually clearly pronounced.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

auf das Haus Bett gehen

Apprends ensuite

ins ans beim vom am

Avancé

Wechselpräpositionen Substantivierte Adjektive Präpositionalobjekte

Grammaire à connaître

Wechselpräpositionen (Two-way prepositions)

Aufs (Accusative/Movement) vs. Auf dem (Dative/Location).

Prepositional Contractions

In + das = ins; An + das = ans; Auf + das = aufs.

Adjective Declension after Contractions

Aufs (definite) + Adjective + Noun -> Aufs neue Auto.

Substantivized Adjectives

Aufs Beste, aufs Neue, aufs Äußerste.

Fixed Prepositional Objects

Warten auf, sich freuen auf, sich konzentrieren auf.

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Exemples par niveau

Ich lege das Buch aufs Bett.

I lay the book onto the bed.

Aufs = auf + das. Bett is neuter.

Gehst du heute aufs Klo?

Are you going to the toilet today?

Colloquial but standard use of 'aufs'.

Setz dich bitte aufs Sofa.

Please sit on the sofa.

Movement (sitting down) requires accusative.

Das Kind klettert aufs Dach.

The child climbs onto the roof.

Movement toward a surface.

Stell das Glas aufs Tablett.

Put the glass on the tray.

Stellen (to place upright) takes accusative.

Wir gehen heute aufs Fest.

We are going to the festival today.

Fest is neuter (das Fest).

Komm aufs Foto!

Come into the photo!

Metaphorical movement into the frame.

Er schaut aufs Meer.

He looks at the sea.

Looking toward a destination.

Wir fahren am Wochenende aufs Land.

We are driving to the countryside on the weekend.

'Aufs Land' is a fixed expression for countryside.

Ich warte schon lange aufs Taxi.

I've been waiting for the taxi for a long time.

Warten + auf + accusative.

Kannst du das Bild aufs Handy laden?

Can you download the picture onto the phone?

Technology often uses 'auf'.

Wir freuen uns aufs Abendessen.

We are looking forward to dinner.

Sich freuen auf + accusative.

Er springt schnell aufs Fahrrad.

He quickly jumps onto the bicycle.

Accusative for movement.

Bitte schau mal aufs Plakat.

Please look at the poster.

Directing attention to a surface.

Wir gehen morgen aufs Amt.

We are going to the office (authority) tomorrow.

Amt is neuter (das Amt).

Leg die Decke aufs Gras.

Lay the blanket on the grass.

Gras is neuter (das Gras).

Wir müssen aufs Neue anfangen.

We have to start anew.

'Aufs Neue' is an idiomatic adverbial phrase.

Er hat uns aufs Beste beraten.

He advised us in the best possible way.

'Aufs Beste' is a superlative adverbial phrase.

Die Firma geht aufs Ganze.

The company is going all out.

Idiom: 'aufs Ganze gehen'.

Achte bitte aufs Kleingedruckte.

Please pay attention to the fine print.

Kleingedruckte is a substantivized adjective.

Ich konzentriere mich aufs Studium.

I am concentrating on my studies.

Sich konzentrieren auf + accusative.

Wir klettern gemeinsam aufs Gerüst.

We climb onto the scaffolding together.

Gerüst is neuter (das Gerüst).

Sie hofft aufs Beste für die Prüfung.

She hopes for the best for the exam.

Hoffen auf + accusative.

Kommst du mit aufs Konzert?

Are you coming with me to the concert?

Konzert is neuter (das Konzert).

Er setzt seine Karriere aufs Spiel.

He is putting his career at risk.

Idiom: 'etwas aufs Spiel setzen'.

Der Chef ist ihm aufs Dach gestiegen.

The boss gave him a talking-to.

Idiom: 'jemandem aufs Dach steigen'.

Wir blicken gespannt aufs nächste Quartal.

We look forward with excitement to the next quarter.

Blicken auf + accusative.

Das wirkt sich negativ aufs Klima aus.

That has a negative effect on the climate.

Sich auswirken auf + accusative.

Er hat sich aufs Altenteil zurückgezogen.

He has retired (withdrawn to the old-age portion).

Idiomatic expression for retirement.

Wir müssen uns aufs Wesentliche beschränken.

We must limit ourselves to the essentials.

Wesentliche is a substantivized adjective.

Sie reagiert empfindlich aufs Wetter.

She reacts sensitively to the weather.

Reagieren auf + accusative.

Das Schiff läuft aufs Riff auf.

The ship is running aground on the reef.

Auflaufen auf + accusative.

Die Nachricht traf uns aufs Äußerste.

The news affected us to the extreme.

'Aufs Äußerste' means to the highest degree.

Er hieß uns aufs Herzlichste willkommen.

He welcomed us most cordially.

Superlative adverbial phrase.

Der Zugriff aufs Archiv ist beschränkt.

Access to the archive is restricted.

Zugriff auf + accusative.

Wir vertrauen aufs Wort des Experten.

We trust the expert's word.

Vertrauen auf + accusative.

Das Gesetz zielt aufs Gemeinwohl ab.

The law aims at the common good.

Abzielen auf + accusative.

Er wurde aufs Schärfste kritisiert.

He was criticized in the sharpest possible way.

Superlative adverbial phrase.

Wir sind aufs Engste miteinander verbunden.

We are most closely connected with each other.

Engste is a superlative adjective.

Die Studie verweist aufs Problem der Armut.

The study refers to the problem of poverty.

Verweisen auf + accusative.

Die Argumentation fußt aufs Engste auf Fakten.

The argumentation is most closely based on facts.

Highly formal use of superlative contraction.

Er hat sich aufs Trefflichste ausgedrückt.

He expressed himself most excellently.

Archaic/Sophisticated adverbial use.

Die Untersuchung erstreckt sich aufs gesamte Feld.

The investigation extends to the entire field.

Formal scientific/legal register.

Wir müssen aufs Neue die Prämissen prüfen.

We must once again examine the premises.

Formal philosophical context.

Das Werk ist aufs Prachtvollste illustriert.

The work is most magnificently illustrated.

Descriptive superlative.

Sie hat sich aufs Altenteil der Philosophie begeben.

She has retired into the 'old-age portion' of philosophy.

Metaphorical/Literary use.

Die Kritik bezog sich aufs Schärfste auf den Stil.

The criticism referred most sharply to the style.

Formal literary criticism.

Wir hoffen aufs Gelingen des Experiments.

We hope for the success of the experiment.

Gelingen is a substantivized verb.

Collocations courantes

aufs Land ziehen

aufs Klo gehen

aufs Ganze gehen

aufs Neue versuchen

aufs Beste vorbereitet

aufs Dach steigen

aufs Spiel setzen

aufs Wort glauben

aufs Handy schauen

aufs Sofa legen

Phrases Courantes

Aufs Land

— To the countryside. Used when leaving the city for rural areas.

Wir fahren am Wochenende aufs Land.

Aufs Maul

— On the mouth/face. Often used in aggressive or very informal contexts.

Er ist voll aufs Maul gefallen.

Aufs Haus

— On the house. Used in bars or restaurants when something is free.

Die nächste Runde geht aufs Haus!

Aufs Amt

— To the government office. A common bureaucratic destination.

Ich muss heute noch aufs Amt.

Aufs Gymnasium

— To the grammar school. Used for the specific type of German secondary school.

Mein Sohn geht ab Herbst aufs Gymnasium.

Aufs Schiff

— Onto the ship. Used for boarding a vessel.

Wir gehen jetzt aufs Schiff.

Aufs Eis

— Onto the ice. Used for skating or metaphorical slippery situations.

Trau dich ruhig aufs Eis!

Aufs Feld

— Onto the field. Used in sports or agriculture.

Die Spieler laufen aufs Feld.

Aufs Dach

— Onto the roof. Literal or part of an idiom.

Die Katze klettert aufs Dach.

Aufs Papier

— Onto paper. Used for writing or drawing.

Bring deine Gedanken aufs Papier.

Souvent confondu avec

aufs vs auf dem

Aufs is movement (Accusative), auf dem is location (Dative).

aufs vs auf den

Aufs is for neuter nouns, auf den is for masculine nouns (Accusative).

aufs vs auf die

Aufs is for neuter nouns, auf die is for feminine or plural nouns (Accusative).

Expressions idiomatiques

"Aufs Ganze gehen"

— To risk everything or go all out to achieve a goal.

Im Finale müssen wir aufs Ganze gehen.

neutral

"Jemandem aufs Dach steigen"

— To reprimand someone severely or give them a piece of one's mind.

Wenn er wieder zu spät kommt, steige ich ihm aufs Dach.

informal

"Etwas aufs Spiel setzen"

— To jeopardize or risk something valuable.

Er setzt seine Gesundheit aufs Spiel.

neutral

"Aufs Maul schauen"

— To listen closely to how people actually speak (often used in 'dem Volk aufs Maul schauen').

Ein guter Politiker muss dem Volk aufs Maul schauen.

informal/idiomatic

"Aufs Wort glauben"

— To believe someone completely without requiring proof.

Du musst mir das aufs Wort glauben.

neutral

"Aufs Altenteil zurückziehen"

— To retire from active professional life.

Nach vierzig Jahren zieht er sich aufs Altenteil zurück.

formal/literary

"Aufs falsche Pferd setzen"

— To back the wrong horse or make a bad bet/decision.

Mit dieser Aktie hast du aufs falsche Pferd gesetzt.

neutral

"Aufs Trapez bringen"

— To bring something up for discussion or introduce a topic.

Wer hat dieses Thema aufs Trapez gebracht?

neutral

"Aufs Korn nehmen"

— To target someone, either literally with a weapon or figuratively with criticism/humor.

Der Kabarettist nahm die Regierung aufs Korn.

neutral

"Aufs Schärfste verurteilen"

— To condemn something in the strongest possible terms.

Die Tat wurde aufs Schärfste verurteilt.

formal

Facile à confondre

aufs vs ins

Both are contractions for movement.

Ins is for 'into' (enclosed), aufs is for 'onto' (surface).

Ich gehe ins Haus (inside) vs. Ich klettere aufs Haus (on top).

aufs vs ans

Both are contractions for movement.

Ans is for 'to the edge/side', aufs is for 'onto the top'.

Ich gehe ans Meer (to the shore) vs. Ich gehe aufs Meer (out onto the water).

aufs vs aus

Sounds similar.

Aus means 'out of', aufs means 'onto'.

Ich komme aus dem Haus vs. Ich gehe aufs Haus.

aufs vs auf

Learners forget the article contraction.

Auf is just the preposition; aufs includes the article 'the'.

Warten auf Hilfe (no article) vs. Warten aufs Taxi (with article).

aufs vs ab

Short prepositions.

Ab means 'from/off', aufs means 'onto'.

Ab morgen vs. Aufs Wochenende freuen.

Structures de phrases

Subject + Verb + aufs + Noun

Ich gehe aufs Dach.

Subject + Verb + Adverb + aufs + Noun

Wir fahren morgen aufs Land.

Subject + reflexive Verb + aufs + Noun

Ich freue mich aufs Fest.

Subject + Verb + aufs + Adjective + Noun

Er klettert aufs hohe Gerüst.

Subject + Verb + Object + aufs + Noun (Idiom)

Er setzt alles aufs Spiel.

Subject + Passiv + aufs + Superlative

Das wurde aufs Schärfste kritisiert.

Noun + aufs + Noun (Abstract)

Der Zugriff aufs Internet ist frei.

Complex Subject + Verb + aufs + Substantivized Adjective

Die Untersuchung bezog sich aufs Wesentliche.

Famille de mots

Noms

Aufgang

Auflage

Aufsatz

Aufstieg

Verbes

auflegen

aufsetzen

aufstehen

aufgehen

Adjectifs

auffällig

aufrecht

aufmerksam

Apparenté

auf

das

ins

ans

ums

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in all registers of German.

Erreurs courantes

Ich bin aufs Haus. → Ich bin auf dem Haus.
You used the accusative (movement) for a static location. Use dative 'auf dem' for 'where'.
Ich gehe aufs Tisch. → Ich gehe auf den Tisch.
'Tisch' is masculine (der), so you cannot use 'aufs' (auf + das).
Ich warte auf's Taxi. → Ich warte aufs Taxi.
Do not use an apostrophe in standard German contractions.
Wir gehen aufs Kino. → Wir gehen ins Kino.
You go 'into' a cinema (enclosed space), not 'onto' its surface.
Aufs neues Jahr! → Auf das neue Jahr!
In toasts or very formal emphasis, the full form is often preferred, though 'aufs' isn't strictly wrong.

Astuces

The Neuter Rule

Always double-check the gender. If it's not 'das', 'aufs' is forbidden. This is the most common error.

Natural Flow

Use 'aufs' in conversation to avoid sounding like a textbook. It makes your speech more rhythmic and fluid.

No Apostrophe

Remember: no apostrophe in 'aufs'. It's a fusion, not a possessive or a missing letter indicator like in English.

Movement Check

If you can ask 'Wohin?' (Where to?), and the noun is 'das', then 'aufs' is your best choice.

Learn the Idioms

Phrases like 'aufs Ganze gehen' are very common. Learning them as a single unit will help you remember to use 'aufs'.

Listen for the 'S'

The 's' at the end of 'aufs' is often the only clue that an article is being used. Train your ear to catch it.

Aufs vs. Ins

Surface vs. Space. Use 'aufs' for the roof, 'ins' for the room. This visual distinction is key.

Superlative Phrases

Mastering 'aufs Beste' or 'aufs Schärfste' will instantly elevate your German to a C1 level.

Digital German

Remember that we put things 'aufs Handy' or 'aufs Tablet'. It's a very modern and frequent usage.

Fixed Prepositions

Memorize verbs like 'warten auf' as taking the accusative. This makes using 'aufs' much easier.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the 's' in 'aufs' as a 'Slide'. You are sliding 'onto' (auf) the 'das' object.

Association visuelle

Imagine a cat jumping 'aufs' (onto) a 'Dach' (roof). The 's' is the sound of the cat landing.

Word Web

auf das Akkusativ Bewegung Land Klo Dach Regal

Défi

Try to find five neutral objects in your room and say 'Ich lege [object] aufs [neutral surface]' for each one.

Origine du mot

The contraction 'aufs' originates from the Old High German 'ūf' (on) and the neutral article 'daz'. Over centuries, the unstressed article 'das' weakened and fused with the preposition in spoken language.

Sens originel : Onto the (neutral object).

Germanic

Contexte culturel

None. 'Aufs' is a neutral grammatical term.

English speakers often struggle because English doesn't contract 'onto the' into a single word. They must learn to treat 'aufs' as a standard unit.

Martin Luther's translation of the Bible used many such contractions to make the text accessible. The idiom 'aufs Ganze gehen' is frequently used in German game shows and sports commentary. The phrase 'dem Volk aufs Maul schauen' is attributed to Martin Luther.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At home

Aufs Sofa legen
Aufs Regal stellen
Aufs Bett setzen
Aufs Kind aufpassen

At work

Aufs Budget achten
Aufs Projekt konzentrieren
Aufs Ergebnis warten
Aufs Thema kommen

Travel/Nature

Aufs Land fahren
Aufs Schiff gehen
Aufs Meer schauen
Aufs Fahrrad steigen

Social/Leisure

Aufs Konzert gehen
Aufs Fest freuen
Aufs Wohl anstoßen
Aufs Spiel setzen

Abstract/Idioms

Aufs Ganze gehen
Aufs Neue versuchen
Aufs Beste hoffen
Aufs Wort glauben

Amorces de conversation

"Bist du lieber in der Stadt oder ziehst du es vor, aufs Land zu fahren?"

"Freust du dich schon aufs Wochenende?"

"Hast du schon mal alles aufs Spiel gesetzt für einen Traum?"

"Wie bereitest du dich aufs nächste Examen vor?"

"Was war das letzte Konzert, auf das (oder aufs) du gegangen bist?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe einen Tag, an dem du aufs Land gefahren bist. Was hast du dort gemacht?

Was bedeutet es für dich, 'aufs Ganze zu gehen'? Gab es eine Situation in deinem Leben, in der du das getan hast?

Reflektiere über deine Ziele: Worauf konzentrierst du dich momentan am meisten? (Konzentration aufs...)

Schreibe über deine Erwartungen: Worauf freust du dich im nächsten Monat?

Denke an eine schwierige Aufgabe: Wie hast du es geschafft, sie 'aufs Neue' anzugehen?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'aufs' is strictly a contraction of 'auf' and 'das' (neuter). For masculine nouns in the accusative, you must use 'auf den'. For example, 'auf den Tisch' (the table).

Technically, no. In standard German, contractions like 'aufs', 'ins', and 'ans' do not use apostrophes. However, you may see it in very informal writing or old texts, but it is better to avoid it.

Use 'auf das' when you want to emphasize the specific object (e.g., 'Look at THAT house') or when a relative clause follows (e.g., 'auf das Haus, das dort steht'). Otherwise, 'aufs' is more natural.

Mostly, yes, in a literal sense. However, it is also used in many fixed phrases where the meaning is more abstract, like 'aufs Land' (to the country) or 'aufs Wort glauben' (to believe completely).

This is the difference between movement and location. 'Aufs' (Accusative) is for 'Where to?' (Wohin?), while 'auf dem' (Dative) is for 'Where at?' (Wo?). Example: 'Ich lege es aufs Bett' vs. 'Es liegt auf dem Bett'.

Yes, 'aufs' is standard High German and is used across all German-speaking countries, including Austria and Switzerland.

No. The plural definite article in the accusative is 'die', and 'auf die' does not contract. You must say 'auf die Betten' (onto the beds).

Since 'aufs' contains a definite article, the following adjective takes the weak ending. In the accusative neuter, this is '-e'. Example: 'aufs neue Auto'.

No. For people, you generally use 'zu' (e.g., 'zu Peter gehen'). 'Aufs' is only for neutral objects or locations.

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