Signification
To examine or investigate something, often informally or quickly.
Contexte culturel
In Berlin, 'abchecken' is often paired with 'Lage' (situation). 'Die Lage abchecken' is a lifestyle—it means being constantly aware of the best parties, pop-up shops, and events. Despite Germany's reputation for being analog (fax machines!), the word 'abchecken' is the primary verb for navigating digital life, from Instagram to checking the 'DB Navigator' app. Older Germans might find 'abchecken' annoying as it replaces traditional verbs like 'prüfen'. Using it can be a way for younger people to distance themselves from 'stiff' traditional culture. When 'abchecken' a club, it often involves looking at the 'Türsteher' (bouncer) to see how strict they are being that night.
The 'Vibe Check'
If you want to say 'vibe check' in German, just say 'den Vibe abchecken'. It sounds very natural to native ears.
Don't use with Bosses
Even if your boss is cool, 'abchecken' might be too informal. Stick to 'prüfen' or 'nachsehen' unless they use slang first.
Signification
To examine or investigate something, often informally or quickly.
The 'Vibe Check'
If you want to say 'vibe check' in German, just say 'den Vibe abchecken'. It sounds very natural to native ears.
Don't use with Bosses
Even if your boss is cool, 'abchecken' might be too informal. Stick to 'prüfen' or 'nachsehen' unless they use slang first.
Separable Verb Rule
Always remember: 'Ich checke...ab'. If you keep the 'ab' at the end, you'll sound much more fluent.
Social Media
When someone says 'Ich hab dich abgecheckt' on Instagram, it usually means they looked through your whole feed!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'abchecken' in the Perfekt tense.
Hast du die neue Bar schon _______?
In the Perfekt tense of separable verbs, '-ge-' goes between the prefix and the stem.
Which sentence is correct in the present tense?
How do you say 'I am checking the situation'?
The prefix 'ab-' must go to the very end of the main clause.
Match the sentence to the correct sense of 'abchecken'.
Sentence: 'Er checkt sie die ganze Zeit ab.'
When the object is a person, it usually refers to looking at them with interest.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Wann geht der Film los?' B: 'Keine Ahnung, ich _______ mal kurz _______.'
The speaker is performing the action now, so present tense with separation is needed.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs. Informal Checking
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHast du die neue Bar schon _______?
In the Perfekt tense of separable verbs, '-ge-' goes between the prefix and the stem.
How do you say 'I am checking the situation'?
The prefix 'ab-' must go to the very end of the main clause.
Sentence: 'Er checkt sie die ganze Zeit ab.'
When the object is a person, it usually refers to looking at them with interest.
A: 'Wann geht der Film los?' B: 'Keine Ahnung, ich _______ mal kurz _______.'
The speaker is performing the action now, so present tense with separation is needed.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNot inherently, but it is very informal. Using it with a stranger or in a formal setting can be seen as a lack of respect or professionalism.
'Checken' often means to understand something (I get it), while 'abchecken' always implies an active investigation or verification.
Yes, but be careful. 'Jemanden abchecken' can mean looking at someone because you find them attractive, which might be inappropriate.
Yes, it is universal German slang, though it is particularly common in urban areas like Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne.
Use the Perfekt: 'Ich habe es abgecheckt.' The Präteritum 'Ich checkte es ab' is almost never used in speech.
Yes, that is the literal meaning. 'Ich checke die Punkte auf der Liste ab.'
It is completely gender-neutral and used by everyone.
'Überprüfen' or 'nachsehen' are the best formal alternatives.
Only if you are leaving a hotel. If you mean 'investigate,' stick to 'abchecken'.
Yes! It makes you sound much more like a native speaker in casual conversations.
It always takes the Akkusativ. 'Ich checke {den|m} Termin ab.'
Yes, 'das Wetter abchecken' is a very common phrase.
Yes, it's one of the most successful and widely used Denglish words in the language.
Expressions liées
die Lage peilen
synonymTo scope out the situation
auschecken
similarTo check out
unter die Lupe nehmen
similarTo examine closely
checken
builds onTo understand / To check
verifizieren
contrastTo verify
