adverb
above, upstairs
A1
oben: adverb meaning 'above' or 'upstairs'. Indicates location—either at a higher place (above) or on an upper floor (upstairs). Specialty: no fixed preposition; commonly follows verbs (e.g., das Buch liegt oben) or starts phrases. Antonym: unten. Not reflexive or auxiliary-dependent.
Examples
Der Techniker erklärte, dass die Lampe oben im Regal stand, weil der Besucher sie dort legte.
The technician explained that the lamp was on the top shelf because the visitor put it there.
Geh bitte oben und schau nach.
Please go upstairs and check.
Das Bild hängt oben an der Wand.
The picture is hanging up on the wall.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture an arrow pointing to the top of a page labeled 'oben'.
Like English 'open' (but think 'up and open' — top area).
Notes
oben is a local adverb (position: at the top / upstairs).