abnehmen

You use it just like any other action. If you're currently dieting, you'd say Ich nehme ab. Notice how the ab moved? That's the separable part in action. You don't usually need to say 'weight' (Gewicht) because the verb implies it. If you want to specify how much, just add the number. For example, Ich habe fünf Kilo abgenommen. It’s simple and punchy.

Use this when talking about fitness goals or health. It’s perfect for a chat with a friend over salad. You’ll also hear it at the doctor’s office. If someone looks thinner, you might ask Hast du abgenommen?. It’s a common observation, but use it carefully! It’s great for texting about your new gym routine too.

Don't use abnehmen if you lost your keys or your phone. For lost objects, use verlieren. Also, don't use it for 'losing' a game; that's also verlieren. If you're talking about a decrease in prices, sinken is better. Keep abnehmen mostly for bodies or picking up the phone. Yes, it also means answering a call! Context is your best friend here.

Germans are quite health-conscious and love their 'Kur' (health retreats). Talking about weight isn't always a taboo, but it's personal. There is a huge culture of 'Bio' food and hiking. Losing weight is often seen as a sign of discipline. In the winter, everyone talks about zunehmen (gaining weight) because of the heavy Christmas food. Then, come January, abnehmen becomes the national hobby.

The most important variation is the opposite: zunehmen. That means to gain weight. If you're talking about a diet, you might say eine Diät machen. Another related word is schlank, which means slim. You might say Ich möchte schlanker werden (I want to become slimmer). If you want to sound more formal, you could say an Gewicht verlieren, but abnehmen is much more natural.