der Abstieg
descent
The movement from a higher point to a lower point; going down or descending.
EXAMPLE
Der Abstieg vom Gipfel war wegen des losen Gerölls sehr gefährlich.
The descent from the summit was very dangerous because of the loose scree.
der Abstieg
descent / relegation / decline
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Meanings
der Abstieg
relegation / decline
A loss of status, reputation, or quality; in sports, dropping into a lower league.
EXAMPLE
Nach einer katastrophalen Saison konnte der Verein den Abstieg nicht mehr verhindern.
After a catastrophic season, the club could no longer prevent relegation.
der Abstieg
social decline
The loss of social position or prosperity within a society.
EXAMPLE
Die Wirtschaftskrise führte für viele Menschen zum sozialen Abstieg.
The economic crisis led to social decline for many people.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Abstieg' is the noun formed from the separable verb 'absteigen' (to descend / get off). The verb is made up of 'ab' (down) and 'steigen' (to go, climb). So the noun always describes a movement or development downward.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Aufstieg war der Abstieg eine Erleichterung.
After the long ascent, the descent was a relief.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'Abstieg' is often combined with places one descends from. Typical phrases are 'der Abstieg vom Berg' (the descent from the mountain) or 'der Abstieg ins Tal' (the descent into the valley).
EXAMPLE
Der Abstieg vom Gipfel dauerte zwei Stunden.
The descent from the summit took two hours.
Context: sports
In a sports context, especially in football/soccer, 'der Abstieg' almost always means relegation, that is, dropping into a lower league. Fixed expressions include 'gegen den Abstieg kämpfen' (to fight against relegation) and 'den Abstieg verhindern' (to prevent relegation).
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft kämpft in dieser Saison gegen den Abstieg.
The team is fighting against relegation this season.
Context: society
When it is about society or the economy, 'Abstieg' describes a loss of status or prosperity. People often speak of 'sozialer Abstieg' (social decline) or 'wirtschaftlicher Abstieg' (economic decline).
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen haben Angst vor dem sozialen Abstieg.
Many people are afraid of social decline.
Compare with
Abstieg vs Fall
case / fall
Der Fall and der Abstieg can both describe a loss of power or prestige. Der Fall tends to refer to the decisive collapse, while der Abstieg highlights the path to a lower position. „Fall“ fits a dramatic turning point, while „Abstieg“ is more appropriate for a development that lasts longer.
Abstieg
Der Abstieg des beliebten Bürgermeisters dauerte nach dem Skandal mehrere Jahre.
The popular mayor’s decline lasted several years after the scandal.
Fall
Der Fall des beliebten Bürgermeisters kam nach dem öffentlichen Skandal.
The fall of the popular mayor came after the public scandal.
In real life
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