aufseufzen

to heave a sigh, to let out a deep sigh

verb OWF-zoif-tsen Rare

Usage Note

aufseufzen is separable and describes producing a single, audible sigh — more emphatic and sudden than the continuous seufzen. The prefix auf- signals an outward release. Common in literary prose to convey a single moment of relief or resignation.

Examples

"Sie seufzte erleichtert auf, als sie die gute Nachricht hörte."

Natural Translation

She heaved a sigh of relief when she heard the good news.

Literal Translation

She sighed relieved up, when she the good news heard.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Modal Particles: doch, mal, ja, eben

German modal particles doch, mal, ja, and eben add attitude, not meaning. Before/after examples show how to use each one so your German stops sounding stiff.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Two-Way Prepositions: Accusative or Dative?

Use accusative for movement into a place (wohin?) and dative for a fixed location (wo?). Master all nine German two-way prepositions with one simple test.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Order Food in German: Restaurant Phrases

Order food in German with confidence: use ich hätte gern, read the Speisekarte, ask die Rechnung bitte, and handle zusammen oder getrennt like a local.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German False Friends: 25 Words That Trick You

German false friends like Gift (poison) and bekommen (to receive) trick English speakers daily. Here are 25 words that mean the opposite of what you'd guess.

June 5, 2026 5 min read