German Phrase
Steht auf Smith.
Meaning
Literally “stands on Smith”, but idiomatically it means “He/She is attracted to Smith” or “He/She has a crush on Smith”. The phrase is used to talk about romantic or strong personal interest in a person.
When to use
Use this colloquial expression when you want to say that someone likes another person in a romantic or flirtatious way. It is common in informal conversation among friends, but avoid it in formal or professional contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
StehtaufSmith
stehen (steht) – idiomatic use
In the idiom *auf jemanden/etwas stehen* the verb *stehen* loses its literal meaning “to stand” and means “to be attracted to / to like strongly”. It is always conjugated normally (here 3rd‑person singular).
preposition auf + accusative
The preposition *auf* governs the accusative case in this expression, so the noun that follows stays in its base form (here the proper name *Smith*).
proper nouns
Names are not declined in German, so *Smith* stays unchanged regardless of the preposition.
🗨In Conversation
Weißt du, dass Anna auf Smith steht?
Do you know that Anna is into Smith?
Ja, ich habe das schon ein paar Mal gehört.
Yes, I've heard that a few times.
✕Common Mistakes
Steht bei Smith.
The preposition *bei* does not convey attraction; it means “at/with”.
Ist auf Smith.
The verb *sein* cannot be used with *auf* to express attraction.
Steht auf Smithen.
Names are not declined; adding *-en* is wrong.
↔Alternatives
Findet Smith attraktiv.
Finds Smith attractive.
Hat ein Auge auf Smith.
Has an eye on Smith.
Ist an Smith interessiert.
Is interested in Smith.
Cultural Tip
The construction *auf jemanden stehen* is very informal and can sound a bit cheeky. It is perfectly fine among peers, but in a business meeting or with older people you would choose a more neutral phrasing like *interessiert sein an* or *gefällt jemand*. Also note that the phrase works only with people (or occasionally with things you ‘like a lot’, e.g., *Ich stehe auf Rockmusik*).