abwarten
to wait for
To wait until a certain time or event occurs before taking action.
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten die Ergebnisse abwarten, bevor wir eine Entscheidung treffen.
We should wait for the results before we make a decision.
abwarten
to wait and see
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Meanings
abwarten und Tee trinken
to wait and see
An idiom meaning that one should remain patient and calm and observe how things develop.
EXAMPLE
Mach dir keine Sorgen, jetzt heißt es erstmal abwarten und Tee trinken.
Don't worry; for now, we just have to wait and see.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abwarten' (to wait for/wait and see) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' separates from the verb in a main clause and goes to the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich warte das Ergebnis noch ab.
I'm still waiting for the result.
Sentence structure and use
'Abwarten' (to wait for) is often used with an accusative object that describes what one is waiting for. It can also be used with a subordinate clause beginning with 'ob' (whether), 'was' (what), or 'wie' (how).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen den Regen abwarten, bevor wir losgehen.
We have to wait for the rain to stop before we set off.
Fixed idiom
The expression 'abwarten und Tee trinken' (wait and drink tea) is a well-known piece of advice used to express that one should remain patient and watch how things develop. It is often used to calm someone down.
EXAMPLE
Wir können jetzt nichts tun. Lass uns einfach abwarten und Tee trinken.
We can't do anything now. Let's just wait and see.
Compare with
abwarten vs warten
to wait / maintain
Warten uses „auf“ with an expected event. Abwarten takes the event directly as its object and often emphasizes that one acts only afterward. If you mean only the time until the result, you can use „warten“; when action is deliberately postponed, „abwarten“ is more appropriate.
abwarten
Wir warten das Ergebnis der Untersuchung ab, bevor wir entscheiden.
We are waiting for the results of the investigation before making a decision.
warten
Wir warten auf das Ergebnis der Untersuchung.
We are waiting for the results of the investigation.
In real life
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