01
abbekommen
to get
To receive a share of something negative, for example damage, an injury, or criticism.
example
Mein Auto hat bei dem Hagel leider ein paar Dellen abbekommen.
Unfortunately, my car got a few dents in the hailstorm.
abbekommen
to get / to get off
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abbekommen' (to get/to get off) is a separable verb with the prefix 'ab-'. In a main clause, the prefix stands at the end; in a subordinate clause, the verb stays together; and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between 'ab' and 'bekommen'.
EXAMPLE
Bei dem Streit bekam er auch etwas Kritik ab.
In the argument, he also got some criticism.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'to receive a negative share', the verb is often combined with unpleasant things. Typical phrases are 'Kritik abbekommen' (to get criticism), 'einen Kratzer abbekommen' (to get a scratch), or colloquially 'sein Fett abbekommen' (to get one's share of criticism/punishment).
EXAMPLE
Für seine Entscheidung hat der Politiker viel Kritik abbekommen.
The politician got a lot of criticism for his decision.
Use with negation
When it is about loosening something that is stuck, 'abbekommen' (to get off) is very often used with a negation such as 'nicht' (not), 'kaum' (hardly), or 'einfach nicht' (just not). It then describes an unsuccessful attempt.
EXAMPLE
Ich bekomme den hartnäckigen Fleck aus dem T-Shirt nicht ab.
I can't get the stubborn stain out of the T-shirt.
Receiving a share
When you get part of something, the preposition 'von' (of/from) is often used. The structure is then: 'etwas von etwas abbekommen' (to get some of something).
EXAMPLE
Haben die Kinder auch etwas von dem Kuchen abbekommen?
Did the children get some of the cake too?
Compare with
abbekommen vs bekommen
to get / receive
'bekommen' and 'abbekommen' can both mean that someone gets something. 'bekommen' is the general word: you can get a letter, a gift, an answer, or something you were looking for. 'abbekommen' often means that you get a share of something. Very often, this share is negative, for example criticism, trouble, or an injury. But it can also be neutral when someone gets a piece or a portion of something. In addition, 'abbekommen' can also mean removing something that is fixed in place. Learners may confuse the words because 'abbekommen' looks like a variant of 'bekommen'. Most of the time, 'bekommen' is more neutral and more general, while 'abbekommen' is more specific.
abbekommen
David hat beim Termin viel Kritik abbekommen, obwohl er nicht allein verantwortlich war.
David got a lot of criticism at the meeting, even though he was not solely responsible.
bekommen
Morgen bekommen wir die Unterlagen für den neuen Kurs.
Tomorrow we will get the documents for the new course.
In real life
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