Verb

auf|passen

Translation

paid attention, watched out, looked after

Ich habe im Unterricht gut aufgepasst.

I paid close attention in class.

Aufgepasst! Da kommt ein Auto.

Watch out! A car is coming.

Er hat auf seine kleine Schwester aufgepasst.

He looked after his little sister.

((auf+4)) to pay attention to sb./sth., to look after sb./sth. He looked after his sister.

Achtung geben (to pay attention), aufmerksam sein (to be attentive), sich hüten (to beware)

From 'auf-' (on, up) and 'passen' (to fit, suit). The idea is 'to fit' your attention 'onto' something.

Imagine putting your attention 'on' (auf) something so it 'fits' (passen) perfectly. This helps remember 'to pay attention'.