aufeinanderdrücken

AuFeinanderdrücken is a German verb phrase that describes the act of pressing against or crowding against one another, or of pressing two objects together. The formation combines aufeinander (against each other) with drücken (to push). In everyday language it is commonly used to describe physical contact in dense crowds, for example in the subway or at concerts: in der U-Bahn drücken sich die Fahrgäste aneinander. The expression can describe both unintentional pressure caused by crowding and deliberate pushing or shoving.

In engineering and manufacturing contexts the phrase can refer to parts being pressed onto one another or to a seal that is pressed against a surface. In such uses, the sense is closer to “pressing against” rather than to “cramming into.”

Synonyms include zusammenpressen, zusammendrücken, and aneinanderpressen. The nuance differs: zusammenpressen emphasizes a reduction of space, while aneinanderpressen emphasizes the act of making contact with another object or surface.

The term is neutral in form, but in public discourse it often carries negative connotations when discussing safety risks in crowds or discomfort in daily mobility. Etymology: the word is formed from aufeinander and drücken and appears in either two-word or fused spellings depending on the style guide.

See also: crowd dynamics, crowd safety, body contact regulations, mechanical fit.