ablesen
to read off
To obtain and note a value from a measuring device, scale, or display.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie bitte den Stand vom Wasserzähler ablesen?
Could you please read off the reading from the water meter?
ablesen
to read off
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Meanings
ablesen
to read out
To read a prepared text aloud, often from a manuscript or a teleprompter.
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker wirkte unsicher, weil er seine gesamte Rede vom Blatt ablas.
The politician seemed uncertain because he read his entire speech from the page.
ablesen
to read
To recognize a person's thoughts, feelings, or intentions from their facial expression or eyes.
EXAMPLE
Man konnte ihm die Enttäuschung deutlich vom Gesicht ablesen.
You could clearly read the disappointment on his face.
ablesen
to pick off
To remove something one by one from a plant or surface with your hands, especially pests.
EXAMPLE
Jeden Morgen musste sie die Raupen von den Kohlblättern ablesen.
Every morning she had to pick the caterpillars off the cabbage leaves.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ablesen' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab-' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', it stays together with the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er liest den Stromverbrauch am Zähler ab.
He reads off the electricity consumption from the meter.
Verb structure
The prefix 'ab-' in combination with 'lesen' (to read) conveys the idea of 'removing' or grasping information from a surface. This applies to a meter, a sheet of paper, or even a face.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin las die Werte vom Monitor ab.
The doctor read the values off the monitor.
Dative construction
When recognizing a person's feelings or thoughts, a dative construction is used: 'jemandem (dative) etwas vom Gesicht/von den Augen ablesen' (to read something from someone's face/eyes).
EXAMPLE
Ich konnte meiner Freundin die Freude vom Gesicht ablesen.
I could read the joy on my friend's face.
Context clues
The object reveals the meaning: A measuring device ('Zähler' (meter), 'Uhr' (clock/watch/gauge)) points to reading off values. A text ('Blatt' (sheet of paper), 'Rede' (speech)) means reading aloud. A face or eyes point to recognizing feelings.
EXAMPLE
Bitte lies die Temperatur vom Thermometer ab.
Please read the temperature off the thermometer.
Negative connotation
When someone has to 'ablesen' (read out) a speech, it often has a slightly negative meaning. It can suggest uncertainty, nervousness, or a lack of preparation.
EXAMPLE
Der Redner wirkte nicht überzeugend, da er alles nur ablas.
The speaker did not seem convincing because he only read everything out.
Compare with
ablesen vs lesen
to read
lesen can mean taking in information from a measuring device and also understanding or interpreting it. ablesen more specifically means taking down a visible value, often to write it down. Use lesen when interpretation is involved and ablesen when the displayed value is the focus.
ablesen
Die Technikerin liest den Wert auf dem Display ab und notiert ihn.
The technician reads the value off the display and writes it down.
lesen
Die Technikerin liest die Messdaten und erkennt darin einen ungewöhnlichen Verlauf.
The technician reads the measurement data and recognizes an unusual pattern in it.
In real life
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