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Aufhebung
/ˈaʊfˌheːbʊŋ/
sublation
Die Dialektik von Hegel beschreibt die Aufhebung als ein dreifaches Moment: Bewahren, Aufheben und Hinausheben.
Hegel's dialectic describes sublation as a threefold moment: preserving, negating, and transcending.
technical
In philosophy (especially Hegelian dialectics), the process where a concept is both preserved and negated while being elevated to a higher level of understanding.
Die Aufhebung der These in der Synthese ist zentral für Hegels Philosophie.
The sublation of the thesis in the synthesis is central to Hegel's philosophy.
Aufhebung is a key concept in Hegel's dialectic, where it implies 'to preserve' (behalten), 'to negate' (aufheben), and 'to elevate' (hinausheben) simultaneously. It is not simply 'cancellation' but a transformative process.
Law
formal
In law, the annulment or suspension of a law, contract, or regulation.
Die Aufhebung des Gesetzes erfolgte durch das Verfassungsgericht.
The annulment of the law was carried out by the constitutional court.
In legal contexts, Aufhebung often refers to the official cancellation or repeal of a legal act.
neutral
In general usage, the act of lifting, raising, or abolishing something.
Die Aufhebung der Sanktionen wurde international begrüßt.
The lifting of sanctions was welcomed internationally.
This meaning is more literal and less philosophical.
Collocations
Aufhebung der Beschränkungenlifting of restrictionsAufhebung des Urteilsquashing of the judgmentAufhebung der Eheannulment of marriage
Pro Tip
Avoid literal translation
Do not translate 'Aufhebung' as 'cancellation' or 'abolition' in philosophical contexts. The term implies a transformative process, not just negation. Use 'sublation' or 'Aufhebung' in English academic writing.
Gold Rule
Context determines meaning
Always check the context to determine whether 'Aufhebung' refers to the philosophical concept, legal annulment, or general lifting/abolition.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'ūfhebunge', from Old High German 'ūfhebunga', from 'ūfheben' (to lift up, abolish), composed of 'ūf' (up) + 'heben' (to lift). The philosophical sense was popularized by G.W.F. Hegel in his dialectic.
Usage Notes
Aufhebung is a highly specialized term in philosophy and law. In everyday German, it is less common and may sound formal or academic. The philosophical meaning is almost exclusively associated with Hegel's dialectic.
Word Breakdown
auf-
up, indicating elevation or completion
prefixheben
to lift
root-ung
suffix forming nouns from verbs, indicating the action or result
suffixDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch