auf|räumen
Translation
to tidy up, to clean up, to clear out
Examples
Ich muss mein Zimmer aufräumen.
I have to tidy up my room.
Wir räumen den Keller auf.
We are cleaning out the cellar.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to tidy up (sth.) I'm tidying up my room.
Similar Words
putzen (to clean), saubermachen (to clean), ordnen (to arrange)
Etymology
From the prefix 'auf-' (up, completely) and the verb 'räumen' (to clear, make room). Literally 'to clear up'.
Memory Tips
Imagine picking things 'up' ('auf') from the floor to make 'room' ('Raum'). It's a separable verb, so the 'auf' goes to the end in simple tenses.