Meaning
To dance enthusiastically and energetically, often at a party.
Cultural Background
In Berlin, 'abhotten' is more than just dancing; it's a marathon. Clubs like Berghain or Sisyphos are places where people 'abhotten' for 48 hours straight. At German weddings, there is often a 'Schlager' set where even the most serious relatives will 'abhotten' to cheesy pop music. During Carnival in Cologne or Mainz, 'abhotten' is the standard state of being for five days straight, often in ridiculous costumes. While 'abhotten' is still understood, younger Gen Z Germans might use 'viben' or 'dancen', making 'abhotten' feel slightly 'Millennial'.
Use with 'richtig'
It sounds most natural when paired with 'richtig' (really/properly): 'richtig abhotten'.
Age Gap
Be aware that if you are 20 and say this to a 15-year-old, they might think you sound like their parents.
Meaning
To dance enthusiastically and energetically, often at a party.
Use with 'richtig'
It sounds most natural when paired with 'richtig' (really/properly): 'richtig abhotten'.
Age Gap
Be aware that if you are 20 and say this to a 15-year-old, they might think you sound like their parents.
Separable Verb Rule
Always remember to kick the 'ab' to the end of the sentence in the present tense!
Irony is Key
If you use it to describe a bad dancer, do it with a smile so it's clear you're being funny, not mean.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'abhotten' in the perfect tense.
Wir haben gestern im Club bis zum {der|m} Morgen ________.
The perfect tense of 'abhotten' is 'haben' + 'abgehottet'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct present tense sentence:
'Abhotten' is a separable verb; the prefix 'ab' goes to the end.
In which situation is 'abhotten' appropriate?
Select the best context:
'Abhotten' is informal slang for energetic dancing.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Die {die|f} Musik ist echt super!' B: 'Ja, lass uns ________!'
After 'lass uns' (let us), we use the infinitive form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'abhotten'
Perfect
- • Clubs
- • Festivals
- • House Parties
Maybe
- • Weddings
- • Concerts
Never
- • Funerals
- • Office
- • Opera
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWir haben gestern im Club bis zum {der|m} Morgen ________.
The perfect tense of 'abhotten' is 'haben' + 'abgehottet'.
Choose the correct present tense sentence:
'Abhotten' is a separable verb; the prefix 'ab' goes to the end.
Select the best context:
'Abhotten' is informal slang for energetic dancing.
A: 'Die {die|f} Musik ist echt super!' B: 'Ja, lass uns ________!'
After 'lass uns' (let us), we use the infinitive form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's 'retro-cool'. It's widely understood but definitely has a 90s/2000s vibe.
No, 'abhotten' implies high energy and fast movement.
The simple past is 'hottete ab', but Germans almost always use the perfect: 'hat abgehottet'.
No, it's a harmless slang term for dancing.
Absolutely not, unless you are applying to be a DJ or a party planner (and even then, be careful).
Some older dictionaries suggest this, but modern usage is almost entirely derived from the English 'hot'.
'Tanzen' is neutral; 'abhotten' is energetic, sweaty, and informal.
Yes, it's often used humorously to describe a pet moving excitedly.
Yes, it is understood across the entire DACH region, though regional slang might be more common.
You can say: 'Ich liebe es, abzuhotten!'
Related Phrases
abfeiern
similarTo party hard.
abzappeln
similarTo dance frantically.
abdancen
synonymTo dance wild.
das Tanzbein schwingen
contrastTo dance.
shaken
similarTo shake/dance.
