Meaning
To melt ice or frozen food.
Cultural Background
Germans take 'Tiefkühlkost' (frozen food) seriously. Most households have a 'Gefrierschrank' and knowing how to 'auftauen' safely is a basic life skill taught early. In the Alps, 'auftauen' is a seasonal event. When the 'Föhn' (warm wind) blows, the ice 'taut auf' rapidly, which can lead to avalanches. The Swiss 'Eisbrecher' (icebreaker) is often a cheese fondue. It is the ultimate meal to 'das Eis auftauen' among strangers. Small talk is often seen as a way to 'das Eis aufzutauen' before getting to 'das Geschäftliche' (business matters).
The 'Haben/Sein' Rule
If you are the one doing the defrosting, use 'haben'. If the ice is doing it by itself, use 'sein'.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to kick the 'auf' to the end of the sentence in the present tense!
Meaning
To melt ice or frozen food.
The 'Haben/Sein' Rule
If you are the one doing the defrosting, use 'haben'. If the ice is doing it by itself, use 'sein'.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to kick the 'auf' to the end of the sentence in the present tense!
Social Speed
In Germany, 'auftauen' is expected to take time. Don't rush people; let the ice melt naturally.
Kitchen Safety
Germans often say 'schonend auftauen' (to defrost gently), meaning in the fridge rather than the microwave.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'auftauen'.
Ich ______ {das|n} Fleisch für das Abendessen ______.
In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' goes to the end.
Which sentence is correct for a social situation?
Sarah ist schüchtern, aber...
'Auftauen' is the correct verb for a person becoming more talkative.
Match the German phrase with its English context.
1. {den|m} Kühlschrank auftauen | 2. {das|n} Eis brechen | 3. {das|n} Fleisch auftauen
Each context uses a slightly different variation of the 'ice' theme.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum kochst du noch nicht? B: Ich muss erst {das|n} Hähnchen ______.
After the modal verb 'muss', the infinitive 'auftauen' is used at the end.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Auftauen vs. Schmelzen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ______ {das|n} Fleisch für das Abendessen ______.
In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' goes to the end.
Sarah ist schüchtern, aber...
'Auftauen' is the correct verb for a person becoming more talkative.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each context uses a slightly different variation of the 'ice' theme.
A: Warum kochst du noch nicht? B: Ich muss erst {das|n} Hähnchen ______.
After the modal verb 'muss', the infinitive 'auftauen' is used at the end.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, if it's rock hard, but usually we say 'weich werden lassen' (let it get soft) or 'schmelzen' if it's actually turning to liquid.
Yes, it follows the regular conjugation pattern for '-en' verbs, but it is separable.
'Tauen' is mostly used for the weather (it thaws), while 'auftauen' is used for specific objects or people.
Yes, it's a very common metaphor for improving relations after a conflict.
Use 'Ich habe aufgetaut' (transitive) or 'Es ist aufgetaut' (intransitive).
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, for a frozen computer, Germans say 'der Computer hat sich aufgehängt' (the computer hung itself).
An 'Eisbrecher' is an icebreaker—either a ship or a person/joke that helps 'das Eis auftauen'.
It implies a rise in temperature, but not necessarily 'hot' heat—just enough to melt ice.
Only if you were literally frozen in a block of ice! Otherwise, just say 'Ich taue langsam auf' (I am warming up).
Related Phrases
{das|n} Eis brechen
similarTo break the ice
warm werden mit
similarTo get warm with someone
schmelzen
similarTo melt
einfrieren
contrastTo freeze
Tauwetter
builds onThaw weather
