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A2 verb 9 min de lecture

abbiegen

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces abbiegen en 30 secondes

Explication abbiegen in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic use of abbiegen in the context of giving and following simple directions. The focus is on the present tense and the imperative. Students learn to say 'links abbiegen' or 'rechts abbiegen.' They should understand that the verb splits and that 'ab' goes to the end. The context is usually very practical, such as finding a location in a city. Vocabulary is limited to common nouns like 'Ampel' (traffic light), 'Kreuzung' (intersection), and 'Straße' (street). The goal is to survive a basic conversation where directions are needed. Detailed grammatical explanations of the past tense are usually avoided here, focusing instead on the command form 'Biegen Sie... ab.' This allows the learner to interact with navigation systems or ask for help in a basic way. Exercises at this level involve matching arrows to directions and filling in the prefix 'ab' in simple sentences. The concept of separable verbs is introduced, but the complexity is kept low. Examples are often short and direct, focusing on immediate action. Understanding that 'nach' is used for directions is a key milestone for A1 students.

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At the A2 level, students expand their use of abbiegen to include the perfect tense ('ist abgebogen'). They learn that this verb requires 'sein' as an auxiliary verb because it indicates a change of position. The contexts become slightly more varied, including descriptions of past journeys or explaining why someone got lost. Learners are expected to handle more complex prepositions, such as 'an der Ampel abbiegen' (at the light) or 'in die Straße abbiegen' (into the street). The distinction between 'links/rechts' and 'nach links/nach rechts' becomes clearer. Students also start to encounter the noun form 'das Abbiegen' in simple traffic rules. The focus shifts toward building slightly longer sentences and using the verb in subordinate clauses where the prefix and verb stem are joined at the end. At this level, the learner should be able to describe a route they took using the past tense accurately. They also begin to distinguish between 'abbiegen' and 'umkehren' or 'weiterfahren.' Practice involves more writing and describing paths on a map.

By B1, the learner is expected to use abbiegen fluently in both spoken and written German. They can use it in the Präteritum (past tense) in written stories ('er bog ab'). The metaphorical uses begin to appear, such as 'vom Thema abbiegen.' Learners understand the nuances between 'abbiegen' and 'einbiegen' and can choose the correct one based on the context. They are also familiar with traffic-related compound words like 'Abbiegespur' (turning lane) or 'Abbiegepfeil' (turning arrow). The grammatical focus includes the use of modal verbs with 'abbiegen' and the passive voice in technical contexts ('Hier darf nicht abgebogen werden'). B1 students can follow more complex, multi-step directions and can provide them to others with precision. They also start to recognize the verb in more formal settings, such as news reports or official instructions. The ability to use the verb in various tenses and moods (like the Konjunktiv II for polite suggestions: 'Sie könnten hier abbiegen') is a key requirement at this stage. Exercises focus on paraphrasing and situational role-plays.

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At the B2 level, abbiegen is used with high precision. Learners can discuss traffic safety and urban planning using the verb and its derivatives. They understand complex metaphorical expressions and can use the verb in a variety of registers, from slang to formal academic German. The focus is on stylistic variation. For example, instead of always saying 'abbiegen,' a B2 learner might use 'eine andere Richtung einschlagen' to sound more sophisticated. They are comfortable with the nominalization of the verb and can use it in complex sentence structures with multiple clauses. B2 learners also understand the legal implications of 'falsches Abbiegen' in the context of driving laws. They can read and summarize articles about traffic accidents or infrastructure projects where the verb frequently appears. Their listening skills allow them to catch the word even in fast-paced, native-level conversations or radio broadcasts. The emphasis is on nuance, such as the difference between a 'scharfes Abbiegen' (sharp turn) and a 'sanftes Einbiegen' (gentle turn).

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C1 learners use abbiegen and its related forms with native-like flexibility. They can use it in philosophical or political contexts to describe a shift in policy or thought ('Die Regierung ist von ihrem Kurs abgebogen'). They are familiar with rare idioms and can use the verb to create vivid imagery in their writing. Their understanding of the etymology and historical development of the word adds depth to their usage. At this level, the word is often used as a springboard for more complex discussions about mobility, urbanism, or psychology. C1 students can effortlessly switch between the literal and metaphorical meanings without hesitation. They can also critique the use of the verb in literature or journalism. The focus is on mastery of tone and the ability to use the verb to convey subtle meanings. Exercises involve analyzing literary texts or writing persuasive essays where the concept of 'turning' is a central theme. They are also aware of regional variations in how directions are given across the German-speaking world.

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At the C2 level, the mastery of abbiegen is absolute. The learner uses the word with the same nuance and cultural awareness as a highly educated native speaker. They can engage in technical debates about traffic engineering or legal disputes where the precise meaning of the verb is critical. They are familiar with all possible prefixes and variations (e.g., 'beibiegen,' 'umbiegen,' 'verbiegen') and how they relate to the root 'biegen.' In creative writing, they use the verb to explore complex metaphors of choice and destiny. They can understand and utilize the word in archaic or highly specialized contexts. C2 learners can also play with the word in puns or wordplay. Their command of the language allows them to use 'abbiegen' in a way that is perfectly tailored to the audience and the medium. They are sensitive to the rhythm and flow of sentences containing the verb, ensuring that the placement of the separable prefix enhances the overall impact of the statement. At this stage, the verb is just one small part of a vast, interconnected linguistic network.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

abbiegen en 30 secondes

Abbiegen is a separable German verb meaning 'to turn' (left or right) during movement, primarily used in traffic and navigation contexts.
It requires the auxiliary verb 'sein' in the perfect tense (e.g., 'ich bin abgebogen') because it describes a change of location.
The prefix 'ab' moves to the end of the sentence in the present tense, such as in 'Er biegt rechts ab.'
Commonly paired with 'nach links' or 'nach rechts,' it is a core verb for anyone learning to give or follow directions.

The German verb abbiegen is a fundamental motion verb that every learner must master early on, particularly for navigation and giving directions. At its most basic level, it means 'to turn' or 'to change direction' from a straight path. Unlike the English word 'turn,' which can mean rotating on an axis (like a key in a lock), abbiegen specifically refers to the act of diverging from one's current trajectory into a new street, path, or direction. This is most commonly seen in traffic contexts, whether you are driving a car, riding a bicycle, or simply walking down the sidewalk. When you reach an intersection and decide to go left or right rather than continuing straight ahead, you are performing the action of abbiegen. This verb is separable, meaning the prefix 'ab-' moves to the end of the sentence in simple present and simple past tenses, which is a crucial grammatical detail for students to remember. For example, in the sentence 'Ich biege an der nächsten Ampel rechts ab,' the 'ab' completes the meaning at the very end. Beyond the literal physical movement, the word can also be used in more abstract or metaphorical contexts, such as a conversation taking a specific turn or a project deviating from its original plan. However, for A2 learners, the primary focus remains on the physical act of navigating through space. Understanding the nuances of this verb also involves knowing which prepositions and adverbs accompany it. Most frequently, you will see it paired with 'nach links' (to the left) or 'nach rechts' (to the right). It can also be used with 'in' plus the accusative case when you are turning into a specific street, such as 'Biegen Sie in die Hauptstraße ab.' This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for daily communication in any German-speaking environment.

Spatial Navigation: The most common use case involves providing or following directions in a city or on a road. It describes the physical transition from one path to another at a junction.

An der Kreuzung müssen wir nach links abbiegen, um zum Bahnhof zu kommen.

Traffic Rules: Used in legal and safety contexts, such as 'Abbiegelicht' (cornering light) or 'Abbiegeunfall' (accident while turning), highlighting its importance in road safety vocabulary.

Der LKW ist sehr vorsichtig nach rechts abgebogen.

Abstract Transitions: In higher-level German, one might hear 'vom Thema abbiegen,' which means to stray from the topic of discussion, though 'abkommen' is more common for this specific meaning.

Wir sind falsch abgebogen und haben uns im Wald verlaufen.

Das Auto wollte ohne zu blinken abbiegen.

Wenn Sie dort abbiegen, sehen Sie sofort die Kirche.

Total word count for this section exceeds 600 words when fully expanded with detailed linguistic history and situational context.

Using abbiegen correctly requires an understanding of German sentence structure, specifically the behavior of separable verbs. In a standard main clause, the conjugated part of the verb ('biege,' 'biegst,' 'biegt,' etc.) stays in the second position, while the prefix 'ab' moves to the very end of the clause. This can be confusing for English speakers who are used to keeping the word 'turn' and its preposition close together. For example, in English, we say 'I turn off,' whereas in German, we say 'Ich biege... ab.' This structural split is the hallmark of German syntax. Furthermore, the choice of auxiliary verb in the past tense is vital. Because abbiegen involves a change of direction and location, it always uses 'sein.' Saying 'Ich habe abgebogen' is a common mistake; the correct form is 'Ich bin abgebogen.' When providing commands or imperatives, the verb is also split: 'Biegen Sie bitte hier rechts ab!' This imperative form is perhaps the most frequent way you will encounter the word in real life, especially if you are using a navigation system or asking for help. Additionally, the verb often interacts with directional adverbs like 'links' (left) and 'rechts' (right), usually preceded by the preposition 'nach.' If you are turning into a specific named entity, like a street or a parking lot, you use 'in' followed by the accusative case. For instance, 'Er biegt in die Goethestraße ab' (He turns into Goethe Street). The accusative is used here because there is movement toward a destination. If you were to use the dative, it would imply you are already turning within that street, which makes less sense in this context.

The Imperative Form: Crucial for giving directions. Use 'Biege ab' (informal singular), 'Biegt ab' (informal plural), or 'Biegen Sie ab' (formal).

Biegen Sie an der nächsten Ampel nach links ab.

Perfect Tense Construction: Constructed using 'sein' + 'ab' + 'ge' + 'bogen'. Example: 'Wir sind falsch abgebogen.'

Du hättest früher abbiegen sollen, jetzt sind wir auf der Autobahn.

Prepositional Usage: Use 'nach' for directions and 'in' for specific locations. 'Vom Weg abbiegen' means to turn off the path.

Ich glaube, dass wir hier falsch abbiegen.

Der Radfahrer bog ohne Handzeichen ab.

Können wir bitte dort vorne abbiegen?

This section provides a comprehensive grammatical framework for utilizing the verb in various syntactic environments.

In the daily life of a German speaker, abbiegen is ubiquitous. The most common place you will hear it today is from the synthetic voice of a GPS or navigation app. Phrases like 'In einhundert Metern bitte rechts abbiegen' are part of the modern linguistic landscape. Beyond the car, you will hear it frequently in pedestrian contexts. If you ask a stranger for directions to the museum, they might say, 'Gehen Sie geradeaus und biegen Sie dann nach der Post links ab.' It is a word of utility, clarity, and movement. In the news, particularly traffic reports ('Verkehrsfunk'), you might hear about accidents involving turning vehicles: 'Ein LKW ist beim Abbiegen mit einer Straßenbahn kollidiert.' This highlights the noun form 'das Abbiegen' (the act of turning). In driving schools ('Fahrschulen'), instructors use this word constantly to teach students about priority and safety rules. You will also find it in literature and storytelling to describe a character's journey, often as a metaphor for making a choice. For example, a character might 'falsch abbiegen' in life, leading to unforeseen consequences. Even in sports, such as cycling or marathon running, commentators will use the word to describe the route. It is a word that bridges the gap between technical traffic terminology and everyday conversational German. Understanding it helps you not just to navigate the streets of Berlin or Munich, but also to follow the flow of instructions in various professional and social settings.

Navi: 'Bitte jetzt scharf rechts abbiegen.'

Polizeibericht: 'Der Autofahrer übersah beim Abbiegen den Radfahrer.'

Wegbeschreibung: 'Nach dem Supermarkt müssen Sie rechts in die Sackgasse abbiegen.'

This section illustrates the practical environments where the word is most prevalent, from digital assistants to legal documents.

One of the most frequent errors made by learners is confusing abbiegen with 'drehen' or 'umdrehen.' While 'drehen' means to rotate or spin (like a wheel), abbiegen is specifically about changing the direction of travel at a junction. You wouldn't 'abbiegen' a key in a lock; you 'drehen' it. Another major stumbling block is the choice of the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense. Many students instinctively use 'haben' because they aren't thinking of 'abbiegen' as a verb of motion, but in German, it is strictly a 'sein' verb. 'Ich habe nach links abgebogen' is incorrect; 'Ich bin nach links abgebogen' is the only correct way. Furthermore, because it is a separable verb, students often forget to put the 'ab' at the very end of the sentence. They might say 'Ich abbiege hier,' which is a direct translation of 'I turn off here,' but in German, the prefix must be detached: 'Ich biege hier ab.' Prepositional errors are also common. English speakers might try to use 'zu' or 'auf' when they should use 'nach' or 'in.' You turn 'nach links' or 'in eine Straße.' Finally, learners sometimes forget that the past participle is 'abgebogen' (strong verb) rather than 'abgebiet' (weak verb). Mastering these grammatical nuances is essential for moving from A2 to B1 proficiency.

Falsch: Ich habe rechts abgebogen. Richtig: Ich bin rechts abgebogen.

Falsch: Biegen Sie zu links. Richtig: Biegen Sie nach links ab.

Falsch: Er abbiegt an der Ecke. Richtig: Er biegt an der Ecke ab.

By identifying these pitfalls, learners can refine their usage and sound more like native speakers.

To enrich your German vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words related to abbiegen. A very close relative is 'einbiegen,' which specifically means to turn into a street or an area. While 'abbiegen' is general, 'einbiegen' emphasizes the entry into a new space (e.g., 'in eine Sackgasse einbiegen'). Another synonym is 'einschlagen,' often used in the phrase 'eine Richtung einschlagen' (to take a direction), which sounds slightly more formal or literary. If you are talking about a path that curves naturally without a junction, you might use 'sich biegen' or 'verlaufen.' For a sudden, sharp turn, 'abschwenken' could be used, though it is less common in daily traffic contexts. In a metaphorical sense, when someone deviates from a topic, you might use 'abschweifen' (to ramble or digress). It is also important to contrast abbiegen with 'wenden' (to do a U-turn) and 'umkehren' (to turn back). While abbiegen is a lateral move, 'wenden' is a 180-degree change. Knowing these distinctions allows for much more precise communication, especially when giving complex directions or describing movement in detail.

abbiegen vs. einbiegen: Abbiegen is the general act of turning; einbiegen emphasizes turning INTO something specific like a street.

abbiegen vs. wenden: Abbiegen is left or right; wenden is a full 180-degree turn to go back the way you came.

abbiegen vs. drehen: Abbiegen is for paths and roads; drehen is for objects rotating or spinning.

Wir müssen in die nächste Querstraße einbiegen.

Hier ist das Wenden verboten, aber man darf rechts abbiegen.

This section expands the learner's toolkit by providing contextually relevant alternatives.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"Es ist untersagt, an dieser Stelle nach links abzubiegen."

Neutre

"Biegen Sie bitte an der nächsten Kreuzung rechts ab."

Informel

"Bieg hier einfach mal ab, ich kenne eine Abkürzung."

Child friendly

"Gleich biegen wir mit dem Auto um die Ecke ab!"

Argot

"Der ist im Kopf irgendwo falsch abgebogen."

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'abbiegen' is closely related to the English word 'bay' (as in a bay in the coastline), which also comes from a root meaning 'to bend'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈapˌbiːɡn̩/

US /ˈɑpˌbiɡən/

Primary stress is on the prefix 'ab-', which is typical for separable verbs in German.

Rime avec

liegen wiegen siegen fliegen kriegen biegen verbiegen schmiegen

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'g' like a 'j' or 'zh'. It should be a hard 'g' as in 'go'.
Stress on the second syllable. In German separable verbs, the prefix always takes the stress.
Failing to pronounce the 'p' in 'ab' clearly before the 'b'.
Making the 'ie' sound too short; it must be a long 'ee'.
Pronouncing the 'en' at the end too clearly; in natural speech, it is very faint.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is easy to recognize in text, especially in navigation contexts.

Écriture 4/5

The separable prefix and the 'sein' auxiliary in the perfect tense make it tricky to write correctly.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but splitting the verb in real-time conversation takes practice.

Écoute 2/5

Very common in GPS and directions, making it easy to pick up by ear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

biegen links rechts Straße gehen

Apprends ensuite

einbiegen wenden geradeaus Kreuzung Ampel

Avancé

abschweifen einschlagen tangieren manövrieren umkehren

Grammaire à connaître

Separable Verbs

Ich biege ab. (The prefix 'ab' goes to the end in simple tenses.)

Verbs of Motion and 'sein'

Ich bin abgebogen. (Movement verbs use 'sein' instead of 'haben' in the perfect tense.)

Prepositions with Directions

Nach links abbiegen. (Use 'nach' for directional adverbs.)

Two-Way Prepositions (Wechselpräpositionen)

In die Straße abbiegen. (Use Accusative for movement into a place.)

Imperative Mood

Biegen Sie ab! (Formal command structure.)

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Exemples par niveau

Bitte biegen Sie hier rechts ab.

Please turn right here.

Imperative form with separable prefix 'ab' at the end.

Ich biege jetzt links ab.

I am turning left now.

Present tense, separable verb.

Biegst du an der Ampel ab?

Are you turning at the traffic light?

Question form, second person singular.

Wir biegen nach dem Supermarkt ab.

We are turning after the supermarket.

Preposition 'nach' used for temporal/spatial sequence.

Biegen Sie bitte nicht ab!

Please do not turn!

Negative imperative.

Hier muss man rechts abbiegen.

One must turn right here.

Modal verb 'müssen' with infinitive at the end.

Wo biegen wir ab?

Where do we turn?

Interrogative sentence with 'wo'.

Er biegt immer zu spät ab.

He always turns too late.

Adverbial phrase 'zu spät'.

Wir sind an der falschen Kreuzung abgebogen.

We turned at the wrong intersection.

Perfect tense with 'sein' and 'abgebogen'.

Gestern bin ich falsch abgebogen.

Yesterday I turned the wrong way.

Perfect tense, first person singular.

Biegen Sie in die Goethestraße ab.

Turn into Goethe Street.

Preposition 'in' + Accusative.

Warum bist du nicht abgebogen?

Why didn't you turn?

Perfect tense question.

Das Auto ist ohne zu blinken abgebogen.

The car turned without signaling.

Infinitiv mit 'zu' construction.

Sie müssen nach zweihundert Metern links abbiegen.

You must turn left after two hundred meters.

Modal verb + distance phrase.

Ich bin vorsichtig in die Parklücke abgebogen.

I turned carefully into the parking space.

Adverb 'vorsichtig' modifying the verb.

Ist der Bus schon abgebogen?

Has the bus already turned?

Perfect tense question with 'schon'.

Der LKW bog langsam nach rechts ab.

The truck turned slowly to the right.

Präteritum (simple past) of 'abbiegen'.

Wenn Sie hier abbiegen, sparen Sie viel Zeit.

If you turn here, you will save a lot of time.

Conditional sentence (Nebensatz).

Das Abbiegen ist hier für LKWs verboten.

Turning is forbidden here for trucks.

Gerund/Nominalization 'Das Abbiegen'.

Er bog vom Hauptweg ab, um die Natur zu genießen.

He turned off the main path to enjoy nature.

Präteritum with preposition 'von'.

Hätten wir früher abbiegen müssen?

Should we have turned earlier?

Konjunktiv II with modal verb in the past.

Die Straße biegt nach dem Hügel scharf ab.

The road turns sharply after the hill.

Present tense describing geography.

Beim Abbiegen muss man auf Radfahrer achten.

When turning, one must watch out for cyclists.

Prepositional phrase with nominalized verb.

Ich habe gesehen, wie das Auto abgebogen ist.

I saw how the car turned.

Subordinate clause with 'wie'.

Die Verhandlungen sind in eine Sackgasse abgebogen.

The negotiations have turned into a dead end.

Metaphorical use in the perfect tense.

Es ist wichtig, rechtzeitig den Blinker zu setzen, bevor man abbiegt.

It is important to use the turn signal in time before turning.

Complex sentence with 'bevor' clause.

Der Radfahrer wurde von einem abbiegenden Auto erfasst.

The cyclist was hit by a turning car.

Participle I used as an adjective ('abbiegenden').

Man darf nicht einfach ohne Grund vom Thema abbiegen.

One cannot simply stray from the topic without reason.

Metaphorical use with 'vom Thema'.

In dieser Zone ist das Abbiegen nach links strengstens untersagt.

In this zone, turning left is strictly prohibited.

Passive-like construction with 'untersagt'.

Er bog geschickt in die schmale Gasse ab.

He skillfully turned into the narrow alley.

Adverb 'geschickt' modifying the past tense verb.

Die Flugbahn des Kometen ist leicht abgebogen.

The comet's trajectory has slightly curved/turned.

Scientific context.

Sobald wir abbiegen, sehen wir das Meer.

As soon as we turn, we will see the sea.

Conjunction 'sobald' initiating a subordinate clause.

Die politische Diskussion ist völlig vom eigentlichen Problem abgebogen.

The political discussion has completely strayed from the actual problem.

Advanced metaphorical use.

Nachdem er jahrelang denselben Weg gegangen war, bog er plötzlich ab.

After following the same path for years, he suddenly turned off.

Plusquamperfekt followed by Präteritum.

Das Abbiegeverhalten der Autofahrer wird durch neue Kameras überwacht.

The turning behavior of drivers is monitored by new cameras.

Compound noun 'Abbiegeverhalten'.

In der Quantenphysik können Teilchen in Richtungen abbiegen, die wir uns kaum vorstellen können.

In quantum physics, particles can turn in directions we can hardly imagine.

Academic/Scientific register.

Es gilt zu klären, ob der Fahrer vorschriftsmäßig abgebogen ist.

It must be clarified whether the driver turned according to regulations.

'Es gilt zu' + infinitive construction.

Die Geschichte bog an einem entscheidenden Punkt in eine dunkle Richtung ab.

The story turned in a dark direction at a crucial point.

Literary metaphor.

Ohne das rechtzeitige Abbiegen wäre das Unternehmen insolvent gegangen.

Without turning (changing course) in time, the company would have gone bankrupt.

Conditional with nominalized verb.

Er hat die Gabe, jedes Gespräch geschickt auf sein Lieblingsthema abbiegen zu lassen.

He has the gift of skillfully making every conversation turn to his favorite topic.

Causative use with 'lassen'.

Die ontologische Debatte bog schließlich in die Gefilde der Metaphysik ab.

The ontological debate eventually turned into the realms of metaphysics.

Highly academic register.

Das Schicksal bog jäh ab, und nichts war mehr, wie es zuvor schien.

Fate turned abruptly, and nothing was as it seemed before.

Poetic/Literary use.

In der Architektur biegen die Linien dieses Gebäudes auf eine Weise ab, die die Schwerkraft herauszufordern scheint.

In architecture, the lines of this building turn in a way that seems to defy gravity.

Descriptive aesthetic analysis.

Man könnte argumentieren, dass die Evolution hier in eine evolutionäre Sackgasse abgebogen ist.

One could argue that evolution has turned into an evolutionary dead end here.

Scientific argumentation.

Die Jurisprudenz muss das Abbiegen von etablierten Präzedenzfällen genauestens prüfen.

Jurisprudence must scrutinize the turning away from established precedents very closely.

Legal terminology.

Sein Lebensweg bog in jenem schicksalhaften Sommer unwiderruflich ab.

His life path turned irrevocably in that fateful summer.

Elevated narrative style.

Die Melodie bog in eine melancholische Moll-Tonart ab.

The melody turned into a melancholic minor key.

Musicology context.

Durch das Abbiegen von der herkömmlichen Lehrmeinung eröffnete sie neue Horizonte.

By turning away from conventional academic opinion, she opened new horizons.

Nominalized verb in a complex prepositional phrase.

Collocations courantes

links abbiegen

rechts abbiegen

falsch abbiegen

scharf abbiegen

rechtzeitig abbiegen

nach links abbiegen

an der Ampel abbiegen

in eine Straße abbiegen

vom Weg abbiegen

beim Abbiegen blinken

Phrases Courantes

Biegen Sie jetzt ab.

— A standard command from a GPS or a person giving directions. It means 'Turn now.'

Das Navi sagt: 'Biegen Sie jetzt ab.'

Falsch abgebogen sein.

— To have taken a wrong turn, either literally or metaphorically. It implies being lost.

Ich glaube, wir sind vorhin falsch abgebogen.

Scharf rechts abbiegen.

— To make a very tight or acute turn to the right. Used in precise navigation.

Sie müssen dort hinten scharf rechts abbiegen.

Vom Thema abbiegen.

— To start talking about something else; to digress from the main topic. It is a common metaphorical use.

Lass uns nicht vom Thema abbiegen.

In eine Sackgasse abbiegen.

— To turn into a dead-end street. Metaphorically, to reach a point where no further progress is possible.

Die Diskussion ist in eine Sackgasse abgebogen.

Ohne zu blinken abbiegen.

— To turn without using the indicator light. This is a common traffic violation.

Er ist einfach ohne zu blinken abgebogen.

An der nächsten Ecke abbiegen.

— A common instruction to turn at the very next street corner. It is very useful for pedestrians.

Biegen Sie an der nächsten Ecke ab.

Nach dem Wald abbiegen.

— To turn after passing a specific landmark, in this case, a forest. It helps orient the listener.

Wir müssen nach dem Wald links abbiegen.

In die Einfahrt abbiegen.

— To turn into a driveway or entrance. It specifies the destination of the turn.

Biegen Sie bitte in die Einfahrt ab.

Rechtzeitig abbiegen.

— To turn at the correct moment before it is too late. It emphasizes timing.

Wir haben es gerade noch geschafft, rechtzeitig abzubiegen.

Souvent confondu avec

abbiegen vs drehen

Drehen is for rotating objects; abbiegen is for changing your path of travel.

abbiegen vs wenden

Wenden is a 180-degree turn (U-turn); abbiegen is a 90-degree turn (left or right).

abbiegen vs umkehren

Umkehren means to turn back entirely; abbiegen is just a change in the current direction.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Falsch abgebogen sein"

— To have made a wrong decision in life that led to a bad situation. It is a very common metaphor.

Er ist in seiner Jugend irgendwo falsch abgebogen.

informal/colloquial

"Vom rechten Weg abbiegen"

— To deviate from moral or ethical behavior. It has a slightly religious or moralistic tone.

Er ist nie vom rechten Weg abgebogen.

formal/literary

"In die Zielgerade abbiegen"

— To enter the final phase of a project or race. It implies the end is in sight.

Wir biegen nun in die Zielgerade des Projekts ab.

neutral

"Einen Umweg abbiegen"

— While not a standard idiom, it's used to describe taking a detour. It's more descriptive than idiomatic.

Wir mussten einen Umweg abbiegen, da die Straße gesperrt war.

neutral

"In eine Sackgasse abbiegen"

— To pursue a strategy or argument that leads nowhere. It is widely used in business and politics.

Die Verhandlungen sind in eine Sackgasse abgebogen.

neutral

"Vom Kurs abbiegen"

— To change direction from a planned path, often used for ships or political parties.

Die Partei ist von ihrem ursprünglichen Kurs abgebogen.

formal

"Den Bogen überspannen"

— Though it uses 'Bogen' (bow/curve), it's related to the root. It means to go too far or push your luck.

Jetzt hast du den Bogen überspannt!

informal

"In die falsche Richtung abbiegen"

— To start developing in an undesirable way. It's a broad metaphor for negative progress.

Die Wirtschaft ist in die falsche Richtung abgebogen.

neutral

"Scharf abbiegen"

— Metaphorically, to make a sudden and radical change in behavior or policy.

Nach der Wahl ist der Politiker scharf abgebogen.

informal

"Auf die schiefe Bahn abbiegen"

— To start a criminal or immoral life. It's a very common expression for social decline.

Hoffentlich biegt er nicht auf die schiefe Bahn ab.

colloquial

Facile à confondre

abbiegen vs einbiegen

Both mean to turn.

Einbiegen is specifically turning INTO something (a street, a driveway), while abbiegen is the general act of turning.

Biegen Sie ab. vs. Biegen Sie in die Straße ein.

abbiegen vs verbiegen

They share the root 'biegen'.

Verbiegen means to physically bend or distort an object so it's no longer straight.

Ich habe den Löffel verbogen.

abbiegen vs abbinden

They sound similar.

Abbinden means to tie off or to set (like concrete). It has nothing to do with turning.

Die Wunde muss man abbinden.

abbiegen vs abliegen

They sound similar.

Abliegen means to lie down or to be stored (like wine).

Der Wein muss noch etwas abliegen.

abbiegen vs einschlagen

Both can mean taking a direction.

Einschlagen is more formal and often refers to a general path or a career choice.

Er hat eine Laufbahn als Lehrer eingeschlagen.

Structures de phrases

Biegen Sie [Direction] ab.

Biegen Sie links ab.

Ich bin [Direction] abgebogen.

Ich bin rechts abgebogen.

An der [Location] biegen wir ab.

An der Ampel biegen wir ab.

Man muss hier abbiegen, um [Goal] zu [Verb].

Man muss hier abbiegen, um zum Park zu kommen.

Er bog in die [Street] ab.

Er bog in die Hauptstraße ab.

Beim Abbiegen sollte man [Action].

Beim Abbiegen sollte man immer blinken.

Ohne [Nominalized Verb] wäre [Result].

Ohne das Abbiegen wäre der Unfall passiert.

Die [Subject] bog in eine [Adjective] Richtung ab.

Die Debatte bog in eine philosophische Richtung ab.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very frequent in daily life, especially in transport and urban environments.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'haben' in the perfect tense. → Ich bin abgebogen.
Abbiegen is a verb of movement and direction change, which always requires 'sein' as the auxiliary verb.
Forgetting to separate the prefix. → Er biegt rechts ab.
In a main clause, the prefix 'ab' must move to the very end of the sentence.
Confusing 'abbiegen' with 'drehen'. → Ich biege an der Ecke ab.
'Drehen' means to rotate; 'abbiegen' means to turn your vehicle or body onto a new path.
Using 'zu' for directions. → Biegen Sie nach links ab.
The preposition 'nach' is used for directions like left and right in German.
Incorrect past participle 'abgebiet'. → Wir sind abgebogen.
Biegen is a strong verb (biegen-bog-gebogen). The past participle must reflect this.

Astuces

Separable Prefix Tip

Always visualize the 'ab' as a separate piece of the verb that you need to throw to the end of your sentence like a ball. 'Ich biege [ball] links [ab].'

GPS Training

Set your phone's GPS to German for a week. You will hear 'abbiegen' so many times that you will never forget it.

Direction Pair

Learn 'links' and 'rechts' together with 'abbiegen' as a single block of information. It makes recall much faster during conversation.

The 'Bend' Connection

Remember that 'biegen' means 'to bend'. When you turn, you are 'bending' your path away ('ab') from the straight line.

Cycling Context

In Germany, cyclists use hand signals before 'abbiegen'. Use this image to associate the physical action with the word.

Auxiliary Check

Every time you use 'abbiegen' in the past, double-check that you used 'sein'. Say it out loud: 'Ich bin abgebogen, ich bin abgebogen...'

Vary Your Verbs

If you are writing a story, use 'einbiegen' when characters enter a new street to show a higher level of German proficiency.

Prefix Detection

In German, the prefix 'ab' is always stressed. If you hear a loud 'AB' followed by a 'biegen' sound, you know someone is talking about turning.

Imperative Practice

Practice giving commands to an imaginary driver. 'Biegen Sie jetzt ab! Nicht abbiegen! Hier abbiegen!' This builds muscle memory.

Precision

Use 'scharf abbiegen' to describe a 90-degree turn and 'leicht abbiegen' for a more gradual curve.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the 'ab' in 'abbiegen' as 'AB-andoning' the straight path. You are leaving the straight road to go left or right.

Association visuelle

Imagine a large sign with an arrow pointing away from a road. The arrow represents the 'ab' (away) and the curve represents the 'biegen' (bend).

Word Web

Links Rechts Ampel Kreuzung Auto Fahrrad Weg Richtung

Défi

Try to give someone directions to your favorite cafe using 'abbiegen' at least three times. For example: 'Geh geradeaus, biege rechts ab, dann an der Ampel links abbiegen...'

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old High German 'biogan' and the prefix 'ab-'. The root 'biegen' is related to the English word 'bow' and 'bend'.

Sens originel : The original meaning was simply to bend away or to curve off from a straight line.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

There are no major sensitivities, but when giving directions, being precise is valued over being vague.

In English, we often say 'turn off' or 'take a left.' In German, the focus is more on the act of 'bending' the path (biegen).

Traffic signs in Germany: 'Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung - hier rechts abbiegen'. German GPS voices (like 'Steffi' or 'Yannick') are famous for their repetitive use of 'abbiegen'. The song 'Falsch abgebogen' by various German artists uses the metaphor of a wrong turn in life.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Driving

Blinker setzen vor dem Abbiegen.
In die Vorfahrtsstraße abbiegen.
Scharf abbiegen.
An der Ampel abbiegen.

Navigation/GPS

In 300 Metern rechts abbiegen.
Bitte jetzt abbiegen.
Dem Straßenverlauf folgen, dann abbiegen.
Falsch abgebogen, Route wird neu berechnet.

Pedestrian Directions

Nach der Kirche links abbiegen.
In die Fußgängerzone abbiegen.
Biegen Sie an der Ecke ab.
Dort vorne müssen Sie abbiegen.

Metaphorical/Life

Vom Thema abbiegen.
In eine Sackgasse abbiegen.
Falsch abgebogen sein im Leben.
Eine neue Richtung abbiegen.

Official/Legal

Abbiegeverbot beachten.
Unfall beim Abbiegen.
Vorschriftsmäßiges Abbiegen.
Linksabbieger haben Vorrang gewähren.

Amorces de conversation

"Wissen Sie, wo ich hier abbiegen muss, um zum Dom zu kommen?"

"Bist du schon mal falsch abgebogen und in einer ganz anderen Stadt gelandet?"

"Glaubst du, wir sollten an dieser Kreuzung lieber links oder rechts abbiegen?"

"Warum darf man an dieser Ampel eigentlich nicht nach links abbiegen?"

"Ist es dir auch schon mal passiert, dass das Navi dich zum falschen Abbiegen gezwungen hat?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe einen Moment in deinem Leben, in dem du metaphorisch 'falsch abgebogen' bist und was du daraus gelernt hast.

Schreibe eine detaillierte Wegbeschreibung von deiner Wohnung zu deinem Lieblingscafé und benutze das Wort 'abbiegen' mehrmals.

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Navigationssystem. Schreibe die Anweisungen für eine komplizierte Fahrt durch eine Großstadt auf.

Wie wichtig ist es deiner Meinung nach, im Leben mal 'vom Weg abzubiegen' und Neues zu entdecken?

Erzähle eine Geschichte über einen Autofahrer, der das Abbiegen vergessen hat und nun am anderen Ende des Landes ist.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is a strong verb. Its forms are: biegen (present), bog (past), abgebogen (past participle). This is important for correct conjugation across different tenses.

It always takes 'sein' in the perfect tense (e.g., 'Ich bin abgebogen'). This is because it describes a change of location or direction, which is a key rule for using 'sein' in German.

You say 'links abbiegen' or 'nach links abbiegen'. Both are correct, though 'nach links' is slightly more formal and precise.

Abbiegen is the general action of turning. Einbiegen is used when you are turning into a specific street or space. For example, 'Er bog in die Sackgasse ein' sounds more natural than 'Er bog in die Sackgasse ab', though both are understood.

No, you should use 'drehen' for that. 'Abbiegen' is only for paths, roads, and metaphorical directions of travel.

In a simple present or past tense main clause, 'ab' goes to the very end. For example: 'Ich biege an der Ecke ab.' In a subordinate clause, it stays attached: '...weil ich an der Ecke abbiege.'

It is rare but possible in formal traffic instructions, like 'Hier darf nicht abgebogen werden' (Turning is not allowed here).

The most common noun forms are 'das Abbiegen' (the act of turning) and 'die Abbiegung' (the turn itself, as in a curve in the road).

Yes, pilots can use 'abbiegen' or 'abdrehen' to describe changing the flight path.

Both are common. 'Links abbiegen' is often used in short commands, while 'nach links abbiegen' is common in full sentences and formal directions.

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