Aufbringen

Aufbringen is a German verb formed from the prefix auf- and the verb bringen. It is a separable verb, so in many tenses the prefix shifts to the end of the clause (for example: Ich bringe die Farbe auf; Er hat die Farbe aufgebracht). The term also exists as a noun in formal language (Aufbringung).

Meanings and uses

- To apply or spread a substance on a surface. This is one of the most common uses in everyday language. It covers applying paint, glue, paste, or other liquid or semi-liquid substances. Example: Die Farbe wird auf die Wand aufgebracht.

- To raise, marshal, or gather resources, especially money or material. This sense is frequent in business, finance, and public administration. Example: Das Team konnte genügend Geld aufbringen, um das Projekt zu starten.

- To bring forward or produce something in a discussion or procedure, such as information or supporting materials, in more formal or administrative contexts. The word is used in legal or bureaucratic language to denote the act of presenting what is needed.

- In some contexts, aufbringen can also imply provoking or arousing a response or emotion, though this usage is less common and varies by regional usage and register.

Etymology and usage notes

- Aufbringen is a compound verb built from auf- plus bringen, giving the sense of bringing something onto a surface or into a state.

- The participle form is aufgebracht; compound tenses use haben: Ich habe die Farbe aufgebracht.

- The noun Aufbringung is used in formal language to describe the act of bringing up, gathering, or provisioning resources.

See also: vorbringen (to bring forward, to present in speech), auftragen (to apply or to wear), Geld aufbringen (to raise money).