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Aufbau
/ˈaʊfˌbaʊ/
structure
Der Aufbau des Gebäudes dauerte zwei Jahre.
The structure of the building took two years to complete.
general
The way something is organized or constructed; the structure or composition of an object or system.
Der Aufbau des neuen Computers ist sehr komplex.
The structure of the new computer is very complex.
Der Aufbau der Firma war erfolgreich.
The company's structure was successful.
technical
In chemistry: the arrangement of atoms in a molecule; molecular structure.
Der Aufbau von Wasserstoffmolekülen ist einfach.
The structure of hydrogen molecules is simple.
formal
In education or training: the process of building up skills, knowledge, or experience over time.
Der Aufbau eines Portfolios dauert Jahre.
Building up a portfolio takes years.
Technology
technical
In computing: the process of setting up or configuring software or hardware.
Der Aufbau der Datenbank war fehlerfrei.
The setup of the database was error-free.
Collocations
der Aufbau eines Unternehmensthe structure of a companyder Aufbau eines Systemsthe setup of a systemder chemische Aufbauthe chemical structure
Pro Tip
Remembering the meaning
Think of 'Aufbau' as 'Auf' (up) + 'Bau' (building/construction). It literally means 'building up' or 'construction', which helps in understanding its use in structure or organization.
Gold Rule
Compound nouns with Aufbau
When combined with other nouns (e.g., 'Aufbauplan', 'Aufbauphase'), 'Aufbau' retains its core meaning of 'structure' or 'process of building'. For example, 'Aufbauphase' means 'building phase' or 'setup phase'.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *ūfbuwen* (to build up), from Old High German *ūfbuan* (to construct, build). Cognate with English 'upbuild' and Dutch 'opbouw'.
Usage Notes
Aufbau is a masculine noun (der Aufbau) and is commonly used in both general and technical contexts. In chemistry, it often refers to molecular structure, while in business or technology, it can denote organizational or system structure.
Word Breakdown
Auf
up, upward
prefixBau
building, construction
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