01
zunehmen
to gain weight
To gain body weight; to become heavier.
example
Ich habe im Urlaub leider drei Kilo zugenommen.
Unfortunately, I gained three kilos while on vacation.
zunehmen
to gain weight / increase
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zunehmen' (to gain weight/increase) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zu-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Wind nimmt am Abend stark zu.
The wind increases strongly in the evening.
Perfect tense with 'haben'
The perfect tense of 'zunehmen' (to gain weight/increase) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'haben' (to have). The past participle is 'zugenommen'.
EXAMPLE
Die Bevölkerung der Stadt hat im letzten Jahr zugenommen.
The city's population increased last year.
Typical collocations
When referring to body weight, 'zunehmen' (to gain weight) is often combined with quantities or the word 'Gewicht' (weight). Typical phrases are 'an Gewicht zunehmen' (to gain weight) or 'ein paar Kilo zunehmen' (to gain a few kilos).
EXAMPLE
Er hat durch den neuen Job viel an Gewicht zugenommen.
He gained a lot of weight because of the new job.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning by the fact that the subject is usually an abstract noun. It describes an increase in something immaterial such as strength, quantity, or intensity.
EXAMPLE
Die Spannung im Raum nahm spürbar zu.
The tension in the room noticeably increased.
Compare with
zunehmen vs fallen
to fall
'fallen' and 'zunehmen' are opposites when it comes to amounts, values, intensity, or a level. 'fallen' means that something becomes less or goes down. 'zunehmen' means that something becomes more or stronger. Both are often used with numbers, problems, noise, traffic, or interest. Important: with body weight, you normally say 'jemand nimmt zu' (someone gains weight), but not 'jemand fällt'. In that case, 'das Gewicht fällt' (the weight falls) would be possible, not the person.
zunehmen
Am Nachmittag nimmt der Verkehr vor der Schule stark zu.
In the afternoon, traffic in front of the school increases sharply.
fallen
Nach dem Feiertag fallen die Besucherzahlen im Museum wieder.
After the public holiday, visitor numbers at the museum fall again.
In real life
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