01
der Abend
evening
The time of day between late afternoon and night, when it gets dark.
example
Wir treffen uns heute Abend um acht Uhr im Restaurant.
We’re meeting this evening at eight o’clock in the restaurant.
der Abend
evening
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adverbial use
Time expressions like 'heute Abend' (this evening), 'gestern Abend' (yesterday evening), or 'morgen Abend' (tomorrow evening) are capitalized, but used like adverbs. They answer the question 'Wann?' (When?) and often appear at the beginning or end of a sentence.
EXAMPLE
Gestern Abend waren wir im Kino.
Yesterday evening we were at the movies.
Typical prepositions
Different prepositions are used with 'Abend' (evening) to describe exact times. 'Am Abend' (in the evening) refers to the general time of day, while 'gegen Abend' (toward evening) means the time shortly before evening.
EXAMPLE
Am Abend lese ich gerne ein Buch.
In the evening, I like to read a book.
Context clue
When 'Abend' (evening) means an event, it is often combined with an adjective such as 'musikalisch' (musical), 'literarisch' (literary), or 'gesellig' (social). Verbs like 'organisieren' (to organize) or 'veranstalten' (to hold/host) also point to this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Schule veranstaltet einen bunten Abend mit Musik und Theater.
The school is holding a variety evening with music and theater.
Compound word
In its figurative meaning, 'Abend' (evening) is often part of a compound. The best-known example is 'der Lebensabend' (one’s later years), which describes the final stage of life.
EXAMPLE
Sie genießen ihren Lebensabend in Ruhe auf dem Land.
They are enjoying their later years peacefully in the countryside.
Compare with
Abend vs Morgen
morning
'der Morgen' and 'der Abend' are both parts of a day, but they are on opposite sides. Morning is the first part of the day after night. Evening comes later, after the afternoon and before night. When talking about daily plans, 'Morgen' is appropriate for early appointments or starting the day. 'Abend' is more suitable for free time, meals, meetups, or rest after work.
Abend
Am Abend ruft er seine Familie an, damit alle den Plan kennen.
In the evening, he calls his family so that everyone knows the plan.
Morgen
Am Morgen fährt mein Nachbar mit dem Bus zum Arzttermin.
In the morning, my neighbor takes the bus to his doctor's appointment.
In real life
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