Pronunciation: [ˈɔːf] (IPA) 
The spelling of the German word "Auf" is interesting because it only contains two letters, yet has an unusual pronunciation. The word is pronounced as "owf" and is represented in IPA transcription as /aʊf/. The "au" sound in German is a diphthong that combines the sounds of "a" and "u". This is similar to the English pronunciation of "out". "Auf" is a preposition that can be translated into English as "on", "at", or "up".
Auf is a preposition in the German language with various meanings and contexts. It is often used to indicate movement or direction towards a higher position or place. In this context, it can be translated as "up" or "onto" in English. For example, "Er steigt auf den Berg" means "He goes up the mountain."
Auf can also denote the surface or top of something. In this sense, it can be translated as "on" or "onto." For instance, "Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch" means "The book is on the table."
Furthermore, auf can be used to express time or timing. It can be translated as "at" or "on" in this context. For instance, "Wir treffen uns auf 3 Uhr" means "We're meeting at 3 o'clock."
Additionally, auf can indicate a change or enhancement in the quality or value of something. It can be translated as "for" or "to." For example, "Das ist gut für die Gesundheit" means "That is good for health."
Lastly, auf can be used in idiomatic expressions, such as "Auf Wiedersehen," meaning "Goodbye," or "Aufschlag," meaning "serve" in the context of tennis.
Overall, auf is a versatile preposition in German, conveying various meanings of upward movement, position, time, change, and idiomatic expressions.
See oaf, a silly fellow.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word Auf is a German preposition that can have different meanings depending on the context. It does not have a direct etymology as it is considered a fundamental part of the German language.
However, it is worth mentioning that Auf can be traced back to the Old High German word uaf, which had the same meaning. This Old High German word, in turn, comes from the Proto-Germanic word ufer meaning riverbank or shore. Over time, it evolved to its current usage as a preposition in modern German, which can mean on, upon, at, to, or in.
