German Phrase
Schreib die Aufgabe auf.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct command meaning ‘Write the task down.’ It uses the informal du‑imperative and the separable prefix auf, which moves to the end of the clause.
When to use
You would say this in a classroom, during a study group, or when giving someone a quick reminder to note down an assignment. It’s informal, so it’s appropriate with peers or younger students.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchreibdieAufgabeauf
Schreib (imperative)
‘Schreib’ is the du‑imperative of the verb schreiben (to write). For ‘Sie’ you would say ‘Schreiben Sie …’.
die (accusative article)
‘die’ is the definite article in the accusative case for feminine nouns like Aufgabe.
Aufgabe (feminine noun)
‘Aufgabe’ means ‘task, assignment’ and is a feminine noun (die Aufgabe).
auf (separable prefix)
‘auf’ is the separable prefix of the verb auf‑schreiben. In the imperative it is placed at the end of the clause.
🗨In Conversation
Schreib die Aufgabe auf.
Write the task down.
Klar, ich notiere sie gleich.
Sure, I’ll note it down right away.
✕Common Mistakes
schreiben die Aufgabe auf.
The verb must be in the du‑imperative (Schreib), not the infinitive.
Schreib der Aufgabe auf.
‘Aufgabe’ is feminine; the correct accusative article is ‘die’.
Schreib die Aufgabe auf schreiben.
With separable verbs the prefix moves to the end in the imperative; ‘auf schreiben’ is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Notiere die Aufgabe.
Note the task.
Schreibe die Aufgabe bitte auf.
Please write the task down.
Schreib die Aufgabe auf, danke.
Write the task down, thanks.
Cultural Tip
In German schools the informal du‑form is common among classmates, but teachers usually address students with ‘Sie’ or the polite ‘du’ only after permission. The separable prefix auf in auf‑schreiben follows a strict word‑order rule: in the imperative it always lands at the end of the sentence, which can feel odd to English speakers.