01
abtauchen
to dive
To go below the surface of the water, for example when swimming or diving.
example
Der Taucher bereitete seine Ausrüstung vor, um gleich abzutauchen.
The diver prepared his equipment to dive down in a moment.
abtauchen
to dive / disappear
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abtauchen' (to dive / disappear) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' separates from the verb 'tauchen' in a main clause and comes at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er taucht für einen Moment unter der Wasseroberfläche ab.
He dives below the surface of the water for a moment.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'abtauchen' (to dive / disappear) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' because it describes a movement or a change of state.
EXAMPLE
Der Wal ist tief ins Meer abgetaucht.
The whale dived deep into the sea.
Context clue
The meaning depends heavily on the context. If it is about water (lake, sea, swimming pool), the literal meaning is intended. If it is about social contacts, work, or public life, the figurative meaning 'verschwinden' (to disappear) is intended.
EXAMPLE
Sie tauchte im See ab, um sich abzukühlen.
She dived down in the lake to cool off.
Register: colloquial
The figurative meaning 'to temporarily disappear' is colloquial. It often describes the wish to take a break from stress and social obligations.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Prüfungswoche bin ich erst mal für ein paar Tage abgetaucht.
After exam week, I disappeared for a few days at first.
Compare with
abtauchen vs verschwinden
to disappear
'verschwinden' and 'abtauchen' can both mean that someone is no longer visible or no longer reachable. 'verschwinden' is more general: a person, an object, or even a problem is suddenly gone or stops existing. 'abtauchen' sounds more colloquial and, with people, often means that someone withdraws for a while and is hard to reach. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with being gone. When something is simply no longer there, 'verschwinden' fits better. When someone deliberately seeks peace and quiet or does not want to be found, 'abtauchen' sounds more natural.
abtauchen
Im Sommer tauche ich manchmal für ein paar Tage ab und beantworte keine Nachrichten.
In the summer, I sometimes disappear for a few days and don't answer any messages.
verschwinden
Nach dem Gespräch verschwand mein Freund so schnell, dass ich mich nicht mehr verabschieden konnte.
After the conversation, my friend disappeared so quickly that I couldn't say goodbye anymore.
In real life
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