In German

oben

Meaning: up / above

Example sentences

  • DieKatzesitztobenaufdemSchrank.

    The cat is sitting up on the cupboard.

  • Gehbittenachoben.

    Please go up.

Grammar note

“Oben” is an adverb of place, the direct opposite of “unten” (down). For the direction “upwards”, use “nach oben”, mirroring “nach unten” exactly.

Common mistake

Use “oben” for where something is, but “nach oben” for movement — “Geh oben” is wrong; say “Geh nach oben”, the same pattern already established for “unten”.

Quick check

Which German word means “up”, the opposite of “unten”?

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Frequently asked questions

What's the opposite of “oben”?

“Unten”, meaning down or below.

How do you say “upstairs”?

“Oben” or “im Obergeschoss”, depending on context.