to find appeal in / to win from
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to find appeal in
To find a positive or appealing aspect in a person, thing, or situation, often despite negative circumstances.
Ich kann diesem kalten, nebligen Wetter wirklich nichts abgewinnen.
I really can't find anything appealing in this cold, foggy weather.
'Abgewinnen' (to find appeal in / to win from) is a separable verb with the prefix 'ab-'. In a main clause, 'ab' comes at the end of the sentence.
Er gewinnt der Situation sogar etwas Positives ab.
He even finds something positive in the situation.
This verb is always used with a dative object. The dative indicates the person or thing from which you gain something or in which you find something positive.
Ich kann dem langen Winter einfach nichts abgewinnen.
I simply can't find anything appealing in the long winter.
In the meaning 'einen positiven Aspekt finden' (to find a positive aspect), the verb is very often negated, usually in the form 'einer Sache nichts abgewinnen können' (to be unable to find anything appealing in something).
Der lauten Musik auf dem Festival konnte sie nichts abgewinnen.
She couldn't find anything appealing in the loud music at the festival.
In the context of competitions, 'abgewinnen' is often combined with small successes against a strong opponent, e.g. 'einen Punkt abgewinnen' (to win a point from), 'einen Vorteil abgewinnen' (to gain an advantage from), or 'ein Lächeln abgewinnen' (to get a smile from).
Trotz seiner strengen Art konnte sie ihm ein Lächeln abgewinnen.
Despite his strict manner, she was able to get a smile from him.
to lose
'verlieren' and 'abgewinnen' can form a contrast in a competition or dispute. Someone who loses is defeated and gives something up, for example points or an advantage. Someone who wins something from an opponent receives or takes something from them. 'Abgewinnen' is more specific than 'gewinnen': it does not just say that you win, but that you take something from the opponent. So the contrast is not always about an entire game, but often about a particular advantage or point.
Nach langem Kampf gewinnt die Spielerin ihrer Gegnerin einen Satz ab.
After a long battle, the player wins a set from her opponent.
Er verliert im Turnier gleich zwei wichtige Punkte.
He loses two important points right away in the tournament.