German Phrase
Passt er auf?
Meaning
Literally, 'Is he watching/looking after?', but idiomatically it asks whether he is paying attention or listening carefully.
When to use
Use this question in classrooms, meetings, or any situation where you need to check if someone is following what’s being said or is attentive to a task.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Passterauf?
aufpassen (separable verb)
The verb 'aufpassen' splits in main clause: the prefix 'auf' moves to the end, while the stem 'passt' is conjugated.
3rd person singular present
'Passt' is the present tense form for 'er/sie/es' (he/she/it).
Pronoun placement
The subject pronoun 'er' follows the verb in questions formed without an auxiliary.
🗨In Conversation
Passt er auf?
Is he paying attention?
Ja, er hört aufmerksam zu.
Yes, he’s listening attentively.
✕Common Mistakes
Auf er passt?
The prefix must stay at the end of the clause; 'auf' cannot precede the verb.
Er passt auf?
In a yes/no question without an auxiliary, the verb comes first.
Passt er auf.
Missing the question mark changes it to a statement. Always use '?' for a question.
↔Alternatives
Hört er zu?
Is he listening?
Ist er aufmerksam?
Is he attentive?
Passt er auf das Kind auf?
Is he looking after the child?
Cultural Tip
German speakers often prefer direct questions like 'Passt er auf?' in educational settings. The separable verb 'aufpassen' is very common for checking attention, while 'aufpassen' with an object (e.g., 'auf das Kind aufpassen') shifts the meaning to 'look after'. Remember to match the formality: 'Passt du auf?' is informal singular, 'Passt ihr auf?' is informal plural, and 'Passt Sie auf?' is formal.