aufsteht

Aufstehen is a German verb meaning "to stand up" or "to get up." It is a separable-prefix verb: for example, Ich stehe um sieben Uhr auf. The noun form das Aufstehen denotes the act of getting up, and the term can appear as a call to action in phrases like Aufstehen!

In politics, Aufstehen refers to a left‑wing political movement in Germany that emerged in 2018. It was founded by Sahra Wagenknecht and like‑minded activists and aimed to mobilize citizens around issues of social justice and economic reform. The movement sought to challenge neoliberal policy directions, advocate for stronger welfare provisions, and promote a fairer distribution of wealth, including proposals for tax reforms affecting wealth and capital. It operated primarily as a grassroots network with online platforms and local groups, organizing events and campaigns to influence public debate. It presented itself not as a formal political party but as a movement intended to catalyze discussion and support candidates who shared its goals.

Reception and status: Aufstehen drew both supporters and critics. Proponents praised its focus on social justice and anti‑austerity positions, while detractors criticized elements of its rhetoric and noted internal disagreements. Over time, activity within the movement diminished, and it did not evolve into a major parliamentary party. The case of Aufstehen is often cited in discussions of new left mobilization in Germany during the late 2010s.