Auftreten

Auftreten is a German noun formed from the verb auftreten, which means to appear, to occur, or to perform. The noun is used primarily to denote an act or process of becoming noticeable, and it also refers to a person’s manner or bearing in social or professional settings. It is common in both technical and everyday language.

In medical, scientific, and practical contexts, Auftreten describes the appearance or onset of phenomena. For example, das plötzliche Auftreten von Kopfschmerzen refers to the sudden onset of headaches, and das Auftreten von Nebenwirkungen describes the emergence of side effects. It can also be used more generally for the appearance of problems, events, or trends.

In everyday use, Auftreten often conveys how a person presents themselves. Phrases such as ein selbstbewusstes Auftreten highlight demeanor or presence, i.e., one’s conduct and impression in social interactions or professional environments. The term emphasizes the act of presenting oneself rather than a single observable event.

Relation to other terms: Auftritt is a related noun but tends to denote a concrete, individual performance or appearance, such as on stage or in a public setting. Auftreten, by contrast, is more abstract and broad, focusing on occurrence, emergence, or manner of presentation rather than a single discrete event.

Notes on usage: Auftreten is usually used in the singular without plural, even when referring to multiple phenomena or contexts, with phrasing like das Auftreten mehrerer Fälle to indicate multiple occurrences.