01
abwärts
downward
In a direction going down; from a higher point to a lower point.
example
Von der Bergspitze führte der Weg steil abwärts.
From the mountain peak, the path led steeply downward.
abwärts
downward
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'ab-' (downward) and the ending '-wärts', which indicates a direction. Other directional adverbs with this ending are 'aufwärts' (upward), 'vorwärts' (forward), or 'rückwärts' (backward).
EXAMPLE
Bitte treten Sie einen Schritt vorwärts.
Please take one step forward.
Invariable form
'Abwärts' (downward) is an adverb and is not declined. It keeps the same form in every sentence, no matter which noun or verb it accompanies.
EXAMPLE
Der abwärts führende Pfad ist sehr rutschig.
The downward-leading path is very slippery.
Use as direction
In its literal meaning, 'abwärts' (downward) describes movement downward. It is often combined with verbs like 'gehen' (to go), 'fahren' (to drive/ride), 'führen' (to lead), or 'blicken' (to look).
EXAMPLE
Mit der Seilbahn fuhren wir langsam abwärts ins Tal.
We rode slowly downward into the valley by cable car.
Fixed expression
The figurative meaning is almost always used in the fixed expression 'mit etwas/jemandem abwärts gehen' (to go downhill for something/someone). The preposition 'mit' introduces what or who is developing negatively.
EXAMPLE
Seit der Krise geht es mit der Wirtschaft nur noch abwärts.
Since the crisis, the economy has only been going downhill.
Compare with
abwärts vs oben
above / up
'oben' and 'abwärts' are opposites when it comes to height or direction. 'oben' describes a higher place or position. With 'nach oben', it means the direction toward a higher place. 'abwärts', on the other hand, describes movement or direction downward, that is, from a higher point to a lower point. The important point is: 'oben' often says where something is; 'abwärts' more often says where something is going.
abwärts
Nach der Hütte führt der Weg steil abwärts.
After the hut, the path leads steeply downward.
oben
Die Schlüssel liegen oben auf dem Regal.
The keys are at the top of the shelf.
In real life
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