01
abnehmen
to lose weight
To reduce one's own body weight; to lose weight.
example
Ich versuche, durch Sport und gesunde Ernährung etwas abzunehmen.
I'm trying to lose a little weight through exercise and healthy eating.
abnehmen
to lose weight / decrease / take off
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abnehmen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' stands at the end in a main clause; in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between 'ab' and 'nehmen'.
EXAMPLE
Er nimmt jeden Tag seine Mütze ab, wenn er nach Hause kommt.
He takes off his cap every day when he comes home.
Dative-accusative structure
Many meanings of 'abnehmen' use a structure with two objects: the person is in the dative, and the thing involved is in the accusative. So the pattern is: subject + nimmt + dative object (person) + accusative object (thing) + ab.
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist nahm dem Raser den Führerschein ab.
The police officer took the speeder's driver's license away.
Use without an object
When 'abnehmen' means to lose weight, it is often used without an object. The subject is always the person who is losing weight.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat in den letzten Monaten fünf Kilo abgenommen.
She has lost five kilos in the last few months.
Context clue
In the meaning 'to become less', 'abnehmen' usually refers to natural phenomena or abstract things. Typical subjects are the wind, noise, strength, or interest.
EXAMPLE
Die Begeisterung für das Projekt hat stark abgenommen.
Enthusiasm for the project has decreased sharply.
Typical objects
When it is about removing something, the objects are often things that are worn on the body or that cover something. Typical examples are: 'den Hut abnehmen' (to take off one's hat), 'die Maske abnehmen' (to take off the mask), 'den Deckel abnehmen' (to take off the lid).
EXAMPLE
Bitte nehmen Sie vor dem Betreten des Tempels den Hut ab.
Please take off your hat before entering the temple.
Context clue: believing
When 'abnehmen' means 'to believe', the accusative object is often something abstract such as 'die Geschichte' (the story), 'die Ausrede' (the excuse), or an entire subordinate clause with 'dass' (that).
EXAMPLE
Ich nehme ihm seine Entschuldigung nicht ab.
I don't believe his apology.
Use as an offer of help
In the meaning 'to relieve someone', 'abnehmen' is very often phrased as a polite question to offer someone help. Typical objects here are 'die Tasche' (the bag), 'der Koffer' (the suitcase), or 'die Arbeit' (the work).
EXAMPLE
Das sieht schwer aus, soll ich dir den Koffer abnehmen?
That looks heavy; should I take the suitcase from you?
Context: telephone
The meaning 'to pick up the receiver' is specific to making phone calls. The verb is used without an object here. You often hear it as a request.
EXAMPLE
Kann bitte jemand abnehmen? Das Telefon klingelt ununterbrochen.
Can someone please answer? The phone is ringing nonstop.
Compare with
abnehmen vs fallen
to fall
'fallen' and 'abnehmen' can both mean that something becomes less. With 'fallen', you often think of numbers, prices, temperatures, or a level. It describes a downward direction. 'abnehmen' is more general for becoming less, for example with pain, noise, interest, or an amount. The words can be confused especially with values: prices can 'fallen' or 'abnehmen', but 'fallen' often sounds more natural here. For intensity or symptoms, people usually say 'abnehmen'.
abnehmen
Nach der Tablette nehmen die Schmerzen langsam ab.
After the tablet, the pain slowly decreases.
fallen
Am Montag fallen die Benzinpreise in der Stadt leicht.
On Monday, gas prices in the city are falling slightly.
In real life
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