01
der Abgrund
abyss
A very deep, steep ravine or crevice in the earth’s surface.
example
Vom Rand der Klippe blickten sie ehrfürchtig in den tiefen Abgrund.
From the edge of the cliff, they gazed in awe into the deep abyss.
der Abgrund
abyss
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'ab-' (away, down) and 'Grund' (ground). So an 'Abgrund' (abyss) is literally a place where the ground is far below or completely gone.
EXAMPLE
Der Wanderweg führte direkt am Abgrund entlang.
The hiking trail ran right along the abyss.
Typical expressions
The expression 'am Rande des Abgrunds stehen' (to stand on the edge of the abyss) is very often used figuratively. It describes a person or organization in an extremely dangerous, often financial or moral, situation.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Verlust seines Jobs stand er vor dem finanziellen Abgrund.
After losing his job, he was on the brink of financial ruin.
Sentence structure with 'zwischen'
When 'Abgrund' (abyss / gulf) describes a great difference, the preposition 'zwischen' (between) is almost always used to name the two incompatible sides.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beiden Geschwistern tat sich nach dem Streit ein tiefer Abgrund auf.
After the argument, a deep gulf opened up between the two siblings.
Compare with
Abgrund vs Gegensatz
opposite / contrast
'der Gegensatz' and 'der Abgrund' can both express a very large difference between people, opinions, or ideas. 'der Gegensatz' is more neutral and mainly means that two things stand in opposition to each other. 'der Abgrund' sounds stronger and more figurative. It often means a deep, almost unbridgeable separation, for example in a relationship or between social groups. Learners may confuse the words because both describe strong differences. However, 'Abgrund' only fits when the difference feels very deep or dramatic.
Abgrund
Nach dem Streit spürten beide einen Abgrund zwischen sich.
After the argument, both of them felt a gulf between them.
Gegensatz
Der Gegensatz zwischen Theorie und Praxis wird in diesem Kurs schnell deutlich.
The contrast between theory and practice quickly becomes clear in this course.
In real life
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