01
abwesend
absent
Not being present at a specific place; missing.
example
Der Angeklagte war bei der Urteilsverkündung abwesend.
The defendant was absent at the announcement of the verdict.
abwesend
absent
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
'Abwesend' (absent) is the direct opposite of 'anwesend' (present). The prefix 'ab-' means 'away', while 'an-' describes presence at a place. The word stem '-wesend' is an old form related to 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Alle Schüler waren heute im Unterricht anwesend.
All students were present in class today.
Use with preposition
When naming the place or event where someone is missing, the preposition 'bei' (+ dative) is often used. For example, someone is 'bei einer Sitzung abwesend' (absent from a meeting).
EXAMPLE
Leider war sie bei der wichtigen Besprechung krankheitsbedingt abwesend.
Unfortunately, she was absent from the important meeting due to illness.
Context clue
The meaning 'not mentally focused on the matter at hand' can often be recognized from verbs like 'wirken' (to seem), 'scheinen' (to seem), or 'aussehen' (to look). The sentence then describes not where a person is, but how they behave in a situation.
EXAMPLE
Er starrte aus dem Fenster und wirkte völlig abwesend.
He stared out the window and seemed completely absent-minded.
Compare with
abwesend vs da
there / since / then
'da' and 'abwesend' are opposites when it comes to being physically present in a place. 'da' means that someone is there or present. 'abwesend' means that someone is missing or not in that place. 'da' is simpler and more direct in everyday language. 'abwesend' sounds a little more formal and fits well in school, work, or appointment contexts.
abwesend
Frau Becker ist wegen einer Fortbildung zwei Tage abwesend.
Ms. Becker is absent for two days because of a training course.
da
Im Büro ist der Mitarbeiter heute da.
The employee is in the office today.
In real life
Loading video examples...