Verb

auf|nehmen

to record, to admit, to take a picture, to absorb

Wir nehmen das Lied im Studio auf.

We are recording the song in the studio.

Der Schwamm nimmt Wasser auf.

The sponge absorbs water.

Die Schule nimmt neue Schüler auf.

The school is admitting new students.

Er hat ein Foto von der Landschaft aufgenommen.

He took a picture of the landscape.

((sth.)) to record/absorb/take in (sth.) We are recording the conversation.

((sb.)) to admit/accept (sb.) The university admitted him.

((sb.)) ((into sth.)) to admit (sb.) into (sth.) She was accepted into the club.

Synonyms: aufzeichnen, akzeptieren, fotografieren; Antonyms: abgeben, ablehnen

From 'auf-' (up, on) and 'nehmen' (to take). Literally 'to take up', which extends to taking up sound (recording), people (admitting), or images (photographing).

Picture 'taking up' a sound with a microphone to record it, or 'taking up' a student into a school to admit them. The core idea is 'to take in'.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.