aufgabe
|auf-ga-be|
/ˈaʊfɡaːbə/
an assigned task / what is given
Etymology
'aufgabe' originates from German (modern High German), specifically the word 'Aufgabe' formed from the prefix 'auf-' + 'Gabe' (gift/putting), where 'auf-' meant 'up/on' or 'upon' and 'Gabe' meant 'giving/what is given'.
'aufgabe' changed from Middle High German 'ufgabe' (or 'ufgabe') and is related to the verb 'aufgeben' (to give up, to hand over). The element 'gabe' goes back to Old High German 'gaba' (gift), and the prefix 'auf-' is comparable to earlier Germanic forms.
Initially it had senses related to 'giving over' or 'handing over' and 'what is given'; over time it developed concrete senses of 'a thing given to do' (a task/assignment) and also retained senses like 'dispatch' and 'submission'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a task, assignment or exercise (work to be done).
Die aufgabe ist bis morgen zu erledigen.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a problem or question to be solved (e.g. a math or exam problem).
Die aufgabe in der Prüfung war sehr schwer.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
a duty, role or responsibility someone is charged with (a mission).
Es ist seine aufgabe, das Team zu leiten.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 4
the act of handing over, dispatching or sending (e.g. posting mail).
Die aufgabe der Sendung erfolgte gestern.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/18 16:24