auf|heben
Translation
to pick up, to keep, to lift, to cancel
Examples
Kannst du den Stift aufheben?
Can you pick up the pen?
Wir sollten die alten Briefe aufheben.
We should keep the old letters.
Das Gesetz wurde aufgehoben.
The law was repealed.
Ich fühle mich hier gut aufgehoben.
I feel well looked after here.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to pick sth. up He picked up the rubbish from the floor.
((sth.)) to keep sth. I keep all the old photos.
((sth.)) to cancel sth. The government has lifted the ban.
Similar Words
Synonyms: hochheben (to lift up), sammeln (to collect), annullieren (to annul); Antonyms: hinlegen (to put down), wegwerfen (to throw away)
Etymology
From the prefix 'auf' (up) + 'heben' (to lift, heave). Literally 'to lift up'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'lifting up' (aufheben) something from the floor. Extend this to 'lifting' a rule (cancelling it) or 'lifting' something to put away for later (keeping it).