auf|bessern
Translation
to improve, to supplement, to increase (salary), to touch up
Examples
Er will sein Gehalt aufbessern.
He wants to increase his salary.
Sie bessert ihre Rente mit einem Minijob auf.
She supplements her pension with a mini-job.
Ich muss meine Sprachkenntnisse aufbessern.
I need to improve my language skills.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((aufbessern)) to improve/supplement sth. He supplements his salary with a side job.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verbessern, erhöhen; Antonyms: verschlechtern, senken
Etymology
From the prefix 'auf' (up) + the verb 'bessern' (to make better). Literally 'to better up'.
Memory Tips
Think of making something 'besser' (better) by moving it 'auf' (up) a level, like your salary or your skills.