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
abtauchen
to disappear
Colloquial for temporarily disappearing from social or public life, often in order to have peace and quiet or to be unreachable.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem anstrengenden Projekt ist er erst mal für ein paar Wochen abgetaucht.
After the exhausting project, he disappeared for a few weeks at first.
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 tauchen
to dive / dip
Tauchen refers to the activity underwater as a whole and can also include staying there for a longer time. Abtauchen, on the other hand, emphasizes the transition from the surface to underwater. Use tauchen for the entire activity and abtauchen for the beginning of the movement into the depths.
abtauchen
Nach dem Signal taucht Lara von der Oberfläche in den See ab.
After the signal, Lara dives from the surface into the lake.
tauchen
Nach dem Kurs taucht Lara eine halbe Stunde im See.
After the class, Lara dives in the lake for half an hour.
In real life
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