aufheben

pick up

verb OWF-hay-ben Less Common

Also means

abolish

Usage Note

aufheben is a separable verb (given here as an adjective, but it functions as a verb) meaning to pick up off the ground, to keep or save, or to abolish a law: ein Gesetz aufheben. The idiom viel Aufhebens um etwas machen means to make a big fuss about something. Note how the prefix splits: Ich hebe es auf.

Examples

"Kannst du den Stift aufheben?"

Natural Translation

Can you pick up the pen?

Literal Translation

Can you the pen up-pick?

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