01
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
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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 Konsum
consumption / consumer store
'Konsum' and 'Abstinenz' are opposites here. 'Konsum' means that you take in or use something, for example alcohol, drugs, or certain stimulants. 'Abstinenz' means that you consciously avoid it. People talk about abstinence especially often with alcohol, but the word can also be used for other substances or pleasures. Put simply: with 'Konsum', you take something; with 'Abstinenz', you leave it out.
Abstinenz
Seit einem Jahr lebt er in Abstinenz und trinkt keinen Alkohol mehr.
He has been living in abstinence for a year and no longer drinks alcohol.
Konsum
Nach dem Unfall spricht die Polizei über den Konsum von Alkohol.
After the accident, the police talk about alcohol consumption.
In real life
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