verb
to pay attention, to watch out, to look after
A2
Aufpassen means 'to pay attention', 'to watch out', or 'to look after'. It's a separable verb (auf‑passen), regular weak; past participle 'aufgepasst'. Uses auxiliary 'haben' (Perfekt: 'hat aufgepasst'). Non‑reflexive. Imperative forms: 'Pass auf!' (du), 'Passt auf!' (ihr). Common in spoken German.
Examples
Während der Fahrt passte die Schwester auf das Baby auf, damit der Vater sich ausruhen konnte.
During the drive the sister looked after the baby so that the father could rest.
Du hast gut aufgepasst.
You paid close attention.
Bitte pass auf, was der Lehrer sagt.
Please pay attention to what the teacher says.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a guardian standing 'on top' (auf) of something, watching carefully — eyes on the top.
Sounds a bit like 'off-pass-in' — think 'pass in' attention.
Notes
Separable verb: prefix 'auf-' separates in main clauses (ich passe auf). Common construction: aufpassen auf + accusative (auf jemanden/etwas aufpassen = to look after/pay attention to). Often used both for 'pay attention' and 'watch over' (children, pets). Intransitive verb; passive conjugations are not applicable.