aufmachen

Since it is a separable verb, you say Ich mache die Tür auf. The auf waits patiently at the very end. In the past tense, you’ll use aufgemacht. It’s very versatile. You can use it with physical objects like bags, bottles, or eyes. You can also use it for businesses starting their day. Just don't use it for starting a computer or a car.

Use it when you arrive at a friend's house and they need to let you in. Use it at a restaurant when you can't get that stubborn soda bottle open. It’s perfect for texting a roommate to ask if they can open the window. It is the standard, everyday choice for almost any physical opening action. If you're at a party, you'll definitely hear it regarding drinks.

Do not use aufmachen for electronic devices. For your laptop, phone, or the TV, use anmachen. Also, avoid it for 'opening' a conversation or a bank account. For those, Germans prefer eröffnen. It sounds a bit silly if you try to 'aufmachen' a digital file. Stick to physical things you can touch.

Germans love their fresh air, a concept known as Lüften. You will hear Kannst du bitte das Fenster aufmachen? constantly. Even in the dead of winter, someone will want to 'make the window open'. It’s a national pastime. There is also a famous saying, Augen auf!, which means 'Keep your eyes open' or 'Watch out!'

In casual speech, you might hear Mach mal auf!. This just means 'Open up!'. If you are talking about a shop, you might say Wann machen die auf?. This refers to their opening hours. You can also use it reflexively, sich aufmachen, which means to set off on a journey. But for A1, stick to opening doors and bottles.