die Abstinenz
abstinence
The complete avoidance of consuming alcohol.
EXAMPLE
Nach seiner Krankheit riet ihm der Arzt zur strikten Abstinenz.
After his illness, the doctor advised him to practice strict abstinence.
die Abstinenz
abstinence
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Meanings
die Abstinenz
abstinence
The conscious avoidance of certain pleasures, substances, or activities, such as drugs, sex, or certain foods.
EXAMPLE
Während der Fastenzeit üben viele Menschen Abstinenz von Süßigkeiten.
During Lent, many people practice abstinence from sweets.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Abstinenz' (abstinence) belongs to the verb 'abstinieren' (to abstain). Both describe the conscious avoidance of something. The ending '-enz' is typical of feminine nouns that come from Latin.
EXAMPLE
Er hat beschlossen, ab sofort zu abstinieren.
He has decided to abstain from now on.
Preposition 'von'
To express what someone is abstaining from, 'Abstinenz' (abstinence) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' (from) and the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin empfahl ihm die Abstinenz von Nikotin und Alkohol.
The doctor recommended that he abstain from nicotine and alcohol.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Abstinenz' (abstinence) are 'üben' (to practice) or 'leben' (to live). Typical adjectives are 'strikt' (strict), 'total' (total), or 'vollständig' (complete).
EXAMPLE
Er lebt seit fünf Jahren in strikter Abstinenz.
He has lived in strict abstinence for five years.
Formal usage
The word 'Abstinenz' (abstinence) tends to belong to formal written language or specialized language, such as medicine. It often sounds more formal than a simple description of giving something up.
EXAMPLE
Im ärztlichen Bericht wurde die Notwendigkeit der Alkoholabstinenz betont.
The medical report emphasized the necessity of alcohol abstinence.
Compare with
Abstinenz vs Verzicht
renunciation / waiver
When referring to alcohol, „Verzicht“ primarily describes the decision to give up drinking, even on a single occasion. „Abstinenz“ means a complete and generally sustained state of not consuming alcohol. „Abstinenz“ is therefore more suitable for a lasting way of life.
Abstinenz
Nach seiner Behandlung hält er seit mehreren Jahren vollständige Abstinenz ein.
After his treatment, he has maintained complete abstinence for several years.
Verzicht
Beim heutigen Abendessen fällt ihm der Verzicht auf Wein leicht.
Giving up wine is easy for him at dinner tonight.
In real life
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