In German

auf

Meaning: on (top of a horizontal surface); at (an event)

Example sentences

  • DieKatzespringtaufdenTisch.

    The cat jumps onto the table.

  • DieKatzeliegtaufdemTisch.

    The cat lies on the table.

  • WirsehenunsaufderParty.

    We'll see each other at the party.

Grammar note

“Auf” is two-way: Akkusativ for movement onto a surface, Dativ for already being there. It's also used idiomatically for events: “auf der Party” (at the party).

Common mistake

Don't confuse “auf” (on top of a horizontal surface) with “an” (against a vertical surface or edge). A book is “auf dem Tisch”, but a picture is “an der Wand”.

Quick check

Which preposition means “on top of” a horizontal surface?

More words on this topic

anat, on (a vertical surface or edge); to (with movement)überover, above; about (a topic)unterunder, below; among

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Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between “auf” and “an”?

“Auf” is for horizontal surfaces (on top), “an” is for vertical surfaces or edges (against).

How do I say “at the party” in German?

“Auf der Party”, using Dativ since you're already there.