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
abwärts gehen mit
to go downhill
In a figurative sense, used for a negative development in which something gets worse or loses quality, value, or success.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem neuen Management geht es mit der Firma leider nur noch abwärts.
Since the new management took over, things have unfortunately only gone downhill for the company.
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 hinunter
down / downward
Hinunter and abwärts both describe movement downward. Hinunter usually indicates the route to a lower point and, at the same time, away from the reference point. Abwärts mainly indicates the general direction without emphasizing a specific destination.
abwärts
Am Abend wanderte er auf dem Pfad weiter abwärts.
In the evening, he continued walking downward along the path.
hinunter
Am Abend ging er den Pfad hinunter bis zum Dorf.
In the evening, he went down the path as far as the village.
In real life
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