01
abheben
to withdraw
To take money out of a bank account, usually at an ATM.
example
Ich muss noch schnell zur Bank, um Geld für das Wochenende abzuheben.
I still need to quickly go to the bank to withdraw money for the weekend.
abheben
to withdraw / take off / pick up
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abheben' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' goes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich hebe schnell Geld ab.
I'm quickly withdrawing money.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'ab-' (away, from a surface) and 'heben' (to lift). This literal meaning, 'to lift something away from something', helps you understand many of the figurative meanings.
EXAMPLE
Das Flugzeug hebt vom Boden ab.
The plane takes off from the ground.
Context clue: money
In this meaning, the object is almost always 'Geld' (money). The context is usually a bank, an ATM, or an account.
EXAMPLE
Kann man an diesem Automaten auch Geld abheben?
Can you withdraw money from this ATM too?
Context clue: flying
When it is about flying, the subject of the sentence is always the flying object itself, for example 'das Flugzeug' (the airplane), 'der Hubschrauber' (the helicopter), or 'der Vogel' (the bird).
EXAMPLE
Die Maschine nach München ist pünktlich abgehoben.
The flight to Munich took off on time.
Context clue: telephone
This meaning is used only in connection with a phone call. The object 'den Hörer' (the receiver) is often left out when the context is clear.
EXAMPLE
Warum hebt denn niemand ab? Das Telefon klingelt schon ewig.
Why isn't anyone picking up? The phone has been ringing forever.
Reflexive with a preposition
In the meaning 'auffallen' (to stand out), the verb is always reflexive and is used with the fixed preposition 'von' + dative: 'sich von etwas/jemandem abheben' (to stand out from something/someone).
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner kreativen Idee hob er sich von allen anderen Bewerbern ab.
With his creative idea, he stood out from all the other applicants.
Colloquial meaning
When a person 'abhebt' (gets arrogant) or 'abgehoben ist' (is arrogant/out of touch), it means colloquially that they have become arrogant and lost touch with reality. This meaning is often negative.
EXAMPLE
Seit seinem Erfolg wirkt er auf mich ziemlich abgehoben.
Since his success, he seems pretty arrogant to me.
Compare with
abheben vs annehmen
to accept / assume
'annehmen' and 'abheben' can both be used with a phone call. 'annehmen' generally means that you accept an offer or a call. When talking about the phone, 'abheben' specifically means that you pick up the receiver or answer the call on the device. With modern phones, people often say 'den Anruf annehmen' (to accept/answer the call) or 'ans Telefon gehen' (to answer the phone). 'abheben' fits especially when the action on the phone is meant. There is a risk of confusion because both can mean that you respond to a call.
abheben
Als das Telefon klingelte, hob Paul sofort ab.
When the phone rang, Paul picked up right away.
annehmen
Meine Freundin nimmt den Anruf nicht an, weil sie gerade im Zug sitzt.
My friend is not answering the call because she is on the train right now.
In real life
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