Abgabe in 30 Seconds
- Abgabe means 'submission' for school or work tasks.
- Abgabe means 'levy' or 'fee' in financial and legal contexts.
- Abgabe refers to 'emission' or 'release' in science (heat, gas).
- Abgabe can mean 'passing' the ball in sports like football.
The German word Abgabe is a versatile feminine noun that English speakers often find multifaceted because it translates to several distinct concepts depending on the context. At its core, it stems from the verb abgeben, which means 'to give away,' 'to hand over,' or 'to deliver.' In a B1 learner's journey, understanding Abgabe is crucial because it bridges the gap between everyday classroom tasks and the more complex world of German bureaucracy and economics.
- 1. The Act of Submission
- In academic and professional settings, Abgabe refers to the handing in of documents, homework, or projects. If you are a student in Germany, you will constantly hear about the Abgabefrist (deadline for submission). It implies the physical or digital transfer of work from the creator to the evaluator. This is perhaps the most common usage for learners.
- 2. Financial Obligations (Levies and Duties)
- In a legal or financial context, an Abgabe is a payment made to the state or a public body. While Steuer (tax) is a specific type of payment, Abgabe is a broader umbrella term that includes taxes, fees (Gebühren), and contributions (Beiträge). For example, Sozialabgaben refers to the social security contributions deducted from a paycheck. It conveys a sense of mandatory contribution for a specific public utility or social safety net.
- 3. Scientific and Technical Emission
- In physics or engineering, Abgabe describes the release or emission of something, such as heat (Wärmeabgabe) or light. It describes the process of a system losing or transferring energy to its surroundings. This usage is more formal and technical but essential for understanding scientific texts.
Die Abgabe der Hausaufgaben muss bis Freitag erfolgen, sonst gibt es Punktabzug.
Furthermore, the word appears in retail and pharmacy contexts. Abgabe von Medikamenten refers to the dispensing or sale of medicines. In this sense, it is about the controlled transfer of goods. You might also see signs saying Abgabe nur in haushaltsüblichen Mengen, which means 'sale only in normal household quantities,' often used during sales to prevent hoarding.
Die Abgabe von Alkohol an Jugendliche unter 16 Jahren ist streng verboten.
In political science, Abgabe can also refer to the 'giving up' of power or sovereignty. Machtabgabe describes a transition where a leader or a state yields authority to another entity. This highlights the word's fundamental meaning of 'moving something away from oneself.' Whether it is money, a document, heat, or power, Abgabe signifies a transfer where the original holder no longer possesses the item or quality in question.
- Summary of Contexts
- To master this word, remember the three 'S's: Submission (homework), State (taxes/levies), and Science (emission). Each context carries the same DNA of 'handing over,' but the 'what' and the 'who' change significantly.
Using Abgabe correctly requires paying attention to the prepositional phrases and the compound nouns it frequently forms. Since it is a noun, it often follows verbs like erfolgen (to take place), verpflichten (to obligate), or bestimmen (to determine).
Nach der Abgabe meiner Masterarbeit fühlte ich mich unglaublich erleichtert.
- Compound Nouns: The German Superpower
- German loves to stick words together, and Abgabe is a prime candidate.
- Abgabefrist: The deadline (Submission + Period).
- Abgabetermin: The specific date/time for submission.
- Abgabepreis: The selling price (Dispensing + Price).
- Sozialabgaben: Social security contributions.
When discussing financial duties, Abgabe often appears in the plural: Abgaben. This refers to the collective set of taxes and fees one must pay. A common sentence in a news report might be: 'Die Regierung plant, die steuerlichen Abgaben für Kleinunternehmen zu senken' (The government plans to lower the tax levies for small businesses).
Die Abgabe einer Stimme bei der Wahl ist ein demokratisches Grundrecht.
In a technical sense, you might use it to describe a car's performance or an appliance's energy efficiency. 'Die Wärmeabgabe des Heizkörpers ist effizient' (The heat emission of the radiator is efficient). Here, the noun functions as a precise technical term. Note how the genitive case (des Heizkörpers) is used to specify what is emitting the heat.
- Verb-Noun Collocations
- Common verbs that go with Abgabe include:
- verweigern: To refuse submission/payment.
- erhöhen/senken: To raise or lower levies.
- bestätigen: To confirm receipt of a submission.
If you live in Germany, you will encounter Abgabe in very specific, often high-stakes environments. It is not a word you typically use while chatting about the weather at a cafe, but it is a word you will see on official letters, university portals, and news broadcasts.
- At the University (Uni-Alltag)
- The most stressful place to hear this word is at a university. Professors will announce the 'Abgabemodalitäten' (submission procedures). You will see signs for the 'Hausarbeiten-Abgabe' (homework drop-off). In this world, Abgabe is synonymous with 'deadline stress.'
- In the News (Wirtschaft & Politik)
- News anchors frequently discuss 'Abgabenlast' (the burden of levies/taxes). If there is a new environmental law, they might talk about a 'CO2-Abgabe' (carbon levy). In this context, the word is political and economic, often sparking debates about how much money citizens should give to the state.
Die Rundfunkabgabe ist in Deutschland für jeden Haushalt verpflichtend.
Another place you will hear it is in sports commentary. During a football match, the commentator might yell: 'Was für eine schlechte Abgabe!' when a player makes a terrible pass. Here, the word is used in a very dynamic, physical sense, contrasting with its usual bureaucratic stiffness.
Die Abgabe des Berichts muss persönlich beim Chef erfolgen.
Lastly, in environmental discussions, Abgabe is used to describe emissions. 'Die Abgabe von Schadstoffen in die Atmosphäre muss reduziert werden' (The emission of pollutants into the atmosphere must be reduced). This is common in scientific documentaries or climate change debates.
Learners often struggle with Abgabe because it sounds similar to other words starting with 'Ab-' or ends with '-gabe'. Distinguishing these is vital for clear communication.
- Abgabe vs. Aufgabe
- This is the most frequent error. Aufgabe means 'task' or 'homework.' Abgabe is the 'act of handing it in.' You do your Aufgabe so that you can complete the Abgabe before the deadline.
Mistake: 'Ich habe meine Abgabe gemacht.' (Sounds like you paid a tax).
Correct: 'Ich habe meine Aufgabe gemacht' or 'Ich habe die Abgabe erledigt.' - Abgabe vs. Ausgabe
- Ausgabe means 'expense' or 'edition' (like a book edition). While Abgabe is money you give to the state, Ausgabe is money you spend on anything. Also, Ausgabe is the 'giving out' (distribution), whereas Abgabe is the 'giving up' or 'handing in.'
Verwechseln Sie nicht Abgabe (submission) mit Angabe (information/statement).
Another mistake is using Abgabe when you mean Geschenk (gift). Even though Gabe means 'gift' or 'talent' in a poetic sense, Abgabe is never a voluntary present. It is always a requirement, a formal transfer, or a technical release. If you give your friend a book, it's not an Abgabe.
Die Abgabe der Steuererklärung ist Pflicht, kein freiwilliges Angebot.
Finally, watch out for the plural. Abgaben usually refers specifically to financial duties. If you are talking about handing in multiple homework assignments, it's better to say 'die Abgabe der Hausaufgaben' (singular act for multiple items) or specify 'die verschiedenen Abgabetermine'.
Depending on whether you mean 'paying a fee' or 'handing in a paper,' there are several alternatives to Abgabe that might be more precise.
- Einreichung (The Formal Submission)
- In very formal or legal contexts, Einreichung is used for submitting applications or lawsuits. While Abgabe is common for homework, Einreichung is used for 'submitting' a patent or a formal proposal.
- Steuer vs. Gebühr vs. Beitrag
- As mentioned, Abgabe is the general term for financial duties.
- Steuer: Tax (no direct service in return).
- Gebühr: Fee (for a specific service, like a passport).
- Beitrag: Contribution (like health insurance).
- Emission (The Scientific Release)
- When talking about pollution or gases, Emission is the more professional, international term. While Abgabe von CO2 is correct, CO2-Emission is what you will read in scientific journals.
Anstatt Abgabe kann man bei Dokumenten auch 'Aushändigung' oder 'Übermittlung' sagen.
In sports, specifically football, you can use Zuspiel or Pass instead of Abgabe. Pass is much more common in modern sports talk, while Abgabe sounds slightly more old-fashioned or technical in a coaching context.
Finally, for the 'sale' of items, Verkauf is the standard word. Abgabe is only used when the 'giving' is controlled, such as at a pharmacy or when there are limits on how much you can buy. You wouldn't say 'die Abgabe von Schuhen' unless the government was rationing shoes!
How Formal Is It?
"Die Abgabe der Unterlagen ist bis zum Ende der Geschäftszeit erforderlich."
"Hast du die Abgabe für den Kurs schon gemacht?"
"Gute Abgabe, Kumpel!"
"Gib deine Zeichnung vorne am Tisch ab. Das ist die Abgabe."
"Er hat den Löffel abgegeben."
Fun Fact
The word 'Gabe' (gift) is the root. In the Middle Ages, an 'Abgabe' was often a physical portion of a harvest given to a landlord. Today, it's mostly digital documents or bank transfers!
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'v' sound for 'b' (German 'b' at the end of a syllable sounds like 'p').
- Missing the final 'e' (schwa) sound.
- Pronouncing 'g' like 'j'.
- Stress on the second syllable.
- Making the first 'a' too long.
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and formal texts, but meanings are usually clear from context.
Requires knowledge of compound words and correct prepositional use.
Used in specific contexts like university or sports; easy to pronounce.
Easily confused with 'Aufgabe' or 'Angabe' if not listening carefully.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Nouns ending in -e are mostly feminine.
Die Abgabe, die Gabe, die Aufgabe.
Compound nouns take the gender of the last word.
Der Abgabetermin (der Termin), die Abgabefrist (die Frist).
Dative case after 'nach'.
Nach der Abgabe (Feminine dative).
Genitive case to show possession/belonging.
Die Abgabe des Berichts (The submission of the report).
Separable verb 'abgeben' forms the noun 'Abgabe'.
Ich gebe das Projekt ab -> Die Abgabe des Projekts.
Examples by Level
Die Abgabe der Hausaufgaben ist heute.
The handing in of homework is today.
Subject is 'Abgabe', verb is 'ist'.
Wann ist die Abgabe?
When is the submission?
Simple question with 'wann'.
Hier ist die Abgabe für Pakete.
Here is the drop-off for packages.
Preposition 'für' takes accusative.
Die Abgabe ist wichtig.
The submission is important.
Adjective 'wichtig' follows 'ist'.
Bitte die Abgabe nicht vergessen!
Please don't forget the submission!
Imperative with 'bitte'.
Meine Abgabe war pünktlich.
My submission was on time.
Possessive pronoun 'meine'.
Die Abgabe von Taschen ist hier.
The handing over of bags is here.
Genitive-like construction with 'von'.
Keine Abgabe nach 12 Uhr.
No submission after 12 o'clock.
Elliptical sentence common on signs.
Der Abgabetermin für das Projekt ist morgen.
The submission deadline for the project is tomorrow.
Compound noun: Abgabe + Termin.
Ich muss die Abgabe vorbereiten.
I have to prepare the submission.
Modal verb 'muss'.
Die Abgabe der Bücher erfolgt am Schalter.
The return of the books takes place at the counter.
Verb 'erfolgen' is common with 'Abgabe'.
Gibt es eine Gebühr bei der Abgabe?
Is there a fee upon submission?
Dative after 'bei'.
Die Abgabe von Kleidung ist eine gute Tat.
Giving away clothes is a good deed.
Infinitive-like noun usage.
Die Abgabe war leider zu spät.
The submission was unfortunately too late.
Adverb 'leider'.
Haben Sie eine Quittung für die Abgabe?
Do you have a receipt for the submission?
Formal address 'Sie'.
Die Abgabe der Schlüssel ist obligatorisch.
The return of the keys is mandatory.
Adjective 'obligatorisch'.
Die Sozialabgaben werden direkt vom Lohn abgezogen.
Social security contributions are deducted directly from wages.
Passive voice with 'werden'.
Die Abgabefrist wurde um eine Woche verlängert.
The submission deadline was extended by a week.
Passive voice, past tense.
Die Abgabe einer Stimme ist für die Demokratie wichtig.
Casting a vote is important for democracy.
Genitive 'einer Stimme'.
Die Abgabe von Medikamenten erfordert ein Rezept.
The dispensing of medication requires a prescription.
Verb 'erfordern' (to require).
Wie hoch ist die Abgabe für diesen Service?
How high is the fee/levy for this service?
Question about amount/height.
Die Abgabe der Steuererklärung erfolgt online.
The submission of the tax return takes place online.
Genitive 'der Steuererklärung'.
Er hat eine gute Abgabe im Spiel gezeigt.
He showed a good pass in the game.
Direct object in accusative.
Die Abgabe von Wärme ist bei diesem Gerät minimal.
The heat emission of this device is minimal.
Technical context.
Die ökologische Abgabe soll den CO2-Ausstoß verringern.
The ecological levy is intended to reduce CO2 emissions.
Modal 'soll' (is intended/supposed to).
Die Abgabe von Kompetenzen an die EU ist umstritten.
The transfer of competencies to the EU is controversial.
Abstract noun usage.
Die Abgabe von Giftstoffen muss streng kontrolliert werden.
The release of toxins must be strictly controlled.
Passive with 'muss...werden'.
Nach der Abgabe des Amtes zog er sich zurück.
After resigning from office, he withdrew.
Dative after 'nach'.
Die Abgabe von Informationen an die Presse war verboten.
The disclosure of information to the press was forbidden.
Genitive plural 'Informationen'.
Es gibt eine neue Abgabe auf Plastikverpackungen.
There is a new levy on plastic packaging.
Preposition 'auf' + Accusative.
Die Abgabe der Ware erfolgt erst nach Zahlungseingang.
The release of the goods only occurs after payment is received.
Temporal 'erst nach'.
Die Abgabe von Strahlung wurde gemessen.
The emission of radiation was measured.
Scientific context.
Die Abgabenordnung regelt das gesamte Steuerrecht.
The Tax Code regulates the entire tax law.
Compound: Abgaben + Ordnung.
Die Abgabe von Souveränitätsrechten bedarf der Zustimmung.
The relinquishment of sovereign rights requires consent.
Verb 'bedürfen' takes genitive.
Die Abgabe von Methan durch Rinder beeinflusst das Klima.
The emission of methane by cattle influences the climate.
Complex prepositional structure.
Eine Erhöhung der Abgabenlast könnte das Wachstum bremsen.
An increase in the tax burden could slow growth.
Subjunctive 'könnte'.
Die Abgabe der eidesstattlichen Versicherung ist notwendig.
The submission of an affidavit is necessary.
Legal terminology.
Die Abgabe von Signalen dient der Kommunikation.
The emission of signals serves communication.
Dative 'der Kommunikation'.
Die Abgabe des Balles erfolgte in höchster Not.
The passing of the ball occurred in extreme distress/urgency.
Idiomatic 'in höchster Not'.
Die Abgabe von Wärmeenergie wird im Reaktor genutzt.
The release of thermal energy is used in the reactor.
Passive present.
Die Abgabe von Hoheitsrechten ist ein sensibler Prozess.
The devolution of sovereign rights is a sensitive process.
Highly formal 'Hoheitsrechten'.
Die Abgabe von künstlichem Licht stört das Ökosystem.
The emission of artificial light disturbs the ecosystem.
Environmental science context.
Eine steuerähnliche Abgabe wurde vom Gericht verworfen.
A tax-like levy was rejected by the court.
Adjective 'steuerähnlich'.
Die Abgabe von Erbanlagen erfolgt durch die Keimzellen.
The transmission of genetic material occurs through germ cells.
Biological context.
Die Abgabe der Verantwortung war ein taktischer Fehler.
The relinquishment of responsibility was a tactical error.
Abstract concept of responsibility.
Die Abgabe von Duftstoffen lockt Insekten an.
The emission of scents attracts insects.
Botanical context.
Die Abgabe von Überschussstrom ins Netz wird vergütet.
The feeding of surplus electricity into the grid is remunerated.
Technical/Economic hybrid.
Die Abgabe der Waffen war Bedingung für den Frieden.
The surrender of weapons was a condition for peace.
Historical/Legal context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Sale only in normal household quantities (retail limit).
Dieses Angebot gilt bei Abgabe nur in haushaltsüblichen Mengen.
— In exchange for handing over...
Sie erhalten den Schlüssel gegen Abgabe Ihres Ausweises.
— Giving or making comments.
Die Abgabe von Kommentaren ist unter dem Video möglich.
— Providing or disclosing information.
Die Abgabe von Informationen an Dritte ist untersagt.
— Making promises (less common than 'Geben').
Die Abgabe von Versprechen allein reicht nicht aus.
— Submission of samples (medical/scientific).
Die Abgabe von Blutproben ist im Labor möglich.
— Checking in luggage.
Die Abgabe von Gepäck ist ab zwei Stunden vor Abflug möglich.
Often Confused With
Aufgabe is the 'task' or 'homework' itself. Abgabe is the 'act of handing it in'.
Angabe is a 'statement' or 'piece of information'. You give 'Angaben' inside an 'Abgabe' (document).
Ausgabe is an 'expense' or 'edition'. It refers to giving 'out', while Abgabe is giving 'up' or 'over'.
Idioms & Expressions
— To cast one's vote in an election.
Millionen Bürger werden am Sonntag ihre Stimme abgeben.
Standard/Formal— To kick the bucket (to die). Literally 'to hand over the spoon'.
Er hat mit 90 Jahren den Löffel abgegeben.
Informal/Slang— To cut a good figure (to look good or perform well).
Er hat bei der Präsentation eine gute Figur abgegeben.
Standard— To delegate or transfer authority/responsibilities.
Der Chef muss lernen, Kompetenzen abzugeben.
Professional— To radiate warmth (can also be used metaphorically for a person).
Der alte Ofen gibt noch viel Wärme ab.
Technical/Metaphorical— To bother with something or to associate with someone.
Mit solchen Leuten gebe ich mich nicht ab.
Standard— To pass the ball (sports) or to hand over responsibility.
Du musst den Ball früher abgeben!
Sports/Metaphorical— To pass judgment or express an opinion.
Ich kann dazu noch kein Urteil abgeben.
Standard/FormalEasily Confused
Both end in -gabe.
Zugabe is an 'encore' or an 'extra addition'. Abgabe is a mandatory transfer.
Nach dem Konzert gab es eine Zugabe.
Both end in -gabe.
Vorgabe is a 'requirement' or 'guideline' set by someone else. Abgabe is your act of fulfilling it.
Wir müssen die Vorgaben des Chefs einhalten.
Both end in -gabe.
Hingabe is 'devotion' or 'dedication'. It is emotional, while Abgabe is bureaucratic or physical.
Sie spielt Klavier mit großer Hingabe.
Both refer to financial costs.
Umlage is a specific type of reallocation of costs (apportionment), while Abgabe is the general term for a levy.
Die CO2-Umlage wird auf die Mieter verteilt.
Both involve 'giving' something to a system.
Eingabe is 'input' (like typing data) or a formal 'petition'. Abgabe is handing over a finished product.
Die Eingabe der Daten dauerte lange.
Sentence Patterns
Die Abgabe ist [Zeit].
Die Abgabe ist um 10 Uhr.
Ich muss die [Nomen] zur Abgabe bringen.
Ich muss die Bücher zur Abgabe bringen.
Die Abgabe von [Dativ Plural] ist [Adjektiv].
Die Abgabe von Medikamenten ist streng.
Trotz der Abgabe [Genitiv] blieb das Problem bestehen.
Trotz der Abgabe des Amtes blieb das Problem bestehen.
Die Abgabe dient dem Zweck, [Nebensatz].
Die Abgabe dient dem Zweck, den Konsum zu steuern.
In Anbetracht der bevorstehenden Abgabe [Genitiv]...
In Anbetracht der bevorstehenden Abgabe der Souveränität...
Wann ist der Termin für die Abgabe?
Wann ist der Termin für die Abgabe der Steuererklärung?
Die Abgabe erfolgt über [Akkusativ].
Die Abgabe erfolgt über das Online-Portal.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High, especially in academic, financial, and scientific contexts.
-
Ich mache meine Abgabe.
→
Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben.
You don't 'do' an Abgabe; you 'complete' it or the 'submission occurs'. 'Abgabe' is the act of handing in, not the work itself.
-
Das Abgabe ist morgen.
→
Die Abgabe ist morgen.
Abgabe is feminine. Always use 'die'.
-
Ich habe eine Abgabe an meinen Freund gegeben.
→
Ich habe meinem Freund ein Geschenk gegeben.
Abgabe is not for personal gifts; it's for formal or technical transfers.
-
Die Abgabe von Information war falsch.
→
Die Angabe von Informationen war falsch.
If you mean the information itself was wrong, use 'Angabe'. 'Abgabe' is just the act of giving it.
-
Die Steuerabgabe ist zu hoch.
→
Die Steuerlast ist zu hoch / Die Abgaben sind zu hoch.
'Steuerabgabe' is slightly redundant because a tax is a type of Abgabe. Usually, people just say 'Steuern' or 'Abgaben'.
Tips
Watch the Prepositions
Use 'von' for the object being submitted ('Abgabe von Dokumenten') and 'an' for the recipient ('Abgabe an den Lehrer').
Compound It!
If you see a word ending in -abgabe, it's usually a type of fee or emission. CO2-Abgabe, Rundfunkabgabe, etc.
Respect the Frist
Germans take 'Abgabefristen' very seriously. If a deadline is 23:59, 00:01 is too late.
Sports Talk
Use 'Abgabe' when analyzing a game to sound more like a professional commentator.
Formal Submission
In a formal email, mention 'die pünktliche Abgabe' to show you are reliable.
Suffix Focus
Words ending in -gabe often relate to 'giving'. Identifying the prefix (ab-, auf-, an-) is the key to the meaning.
Flashcard Idea
Put 'Abgabe' on one side and three icons on the other: a paper, a coin, and a radiator.
Retail Limits
Look for 'Abgabe nur in haushaltsüblichen Mengen' in supermarkets to know there's a limit per customer.
The Hard 'P'
The 'b' in 'Abgabe' sounds like a 'p' because it's at the end of a prefix (Auslautverhärtung).
Environmental Context
In climate news, 'Abgabe' is often used for carbon taxes. It's a very current and important word.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'AB' as 'Away' and 'GABE' as 'Give'. You are giving something away or handing it off.
Visual Association
Imagine a student sliding a paper across a desk to a teacher. The paper is moving 'away' (AB) from the student as a 'gift' (GABE) of work.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'Abgabe' in three different contexts today: school/work, money, and sports. For example: 'Wann ist die Abgabe?', 'Die Abgaben sind hoch', and 'Gute Abgabe!'
Word Origin
Derived from the Middle High German 'abegabe', which was formed from the prefix 'abe-' (down/off/away) and 'gabe' (gift/giving). It originally referred to the giving away of something owned.
Original meaning: The act of giving something away or handing it over.
Germanic.Cultural Context
No specific sensitivities, but discussing 'Abgaben' (taxes) can be a politically charged topic in Germany.
English speakers might use 'submission', 'tax', 'fee', 'pass', or 'emission' depending on the case. There is no single English word that covers all these meanings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
University/School
- Abgabefrist einhalten
- Digital abgeben
- Abgabebestätigung
- Hausarbeiten-Abgabe
Taxes/Finance
- Sozialabgaben zahlen
- Steuerliche Abgabe
- Abgabenlast
- Verpflichtende Abgabe
Sports
- Präzise Ballabgabe
- Abgabe verpasst
- Schnelle Abgabe
- Abgabe zum Mitspieler
Science/Technology
- Wärmeabgabe messen
- CO2-Abgabe
- Abgabe von Energie
- Schadstoffabgabe
Retail/Pharmacy
- Abgabe von Medikamenten
- Abgabe nur an Erwachsene
- Pfandflaschenabgabe
- Gepäckabgabe
Conversation Starters
"Wann ist die Abgabe für unser gemeinsames Projekt?"
"Findest du die Rundfunkabgabe in Deutschland fair?"
"Hast du nach der Abgabe deiner Arbeit schon Pläne?"
"Wie hoch sind die Sozialabgaben in deinem Heimatland?"
"War die Abgabe der Hausaufgaben online oder auf Papier?"
Journal Prompts
Beschreibe das Gefühl, das du nach einer wichtigen Abgabe hast.
Sollten die Abgaben für umweltschädliche Produkte erhöht werden? Warum?
Erzähle von einer Situation, in der du eine Abgabefrist fast verpasst hättest.
Welche Abgaben findest du in deinem Alltag am sinnvollsten?
Wie hat sich der Prozess der Abgabe von Dokumenten durch das Internet verändert?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Abgabe' is always feminine: die Abgabe, der Abgabe, der Abgabe, die Abgabe. This is typical for German nouns ending in -e that are derived from verbs.
Abgabe is the broad category for all mandatory public payments. Steuer (tax) is a specific type of Abgabe where the payer doesn't get a direct service in return. All taxes are Abgaben, but not all Abgaben are taxes (some are fees or contributions).
No. For a gift, use 'Geschenk'. 'Gabe' can mean a gift in a poetic or religious sense, but 'Abgabe' always implies a formal, technical, or mandatory transfer.
You can use 'Abgabefrist' or 'Abgabetermin'. For example: 'Die Abgabefrist endet heute um Mitternacht.'
It means passing the ball. A 'gute Ballabgabe' is a precise pass to a teammate.
Essentially yes, but it sounds more formal and professional, like 'dispensing'. It is used by pharmacies to describe the controlled release of medicine.
These are social security contributions, like health insurance, pension insurance, and unemployment insurance, which are automatically deducted from a German worker's salary.
Indirectly. 'Die Abgabe des Amtes' means resigning from a position or office. It's the act of handing over the office to someone else.
It is the scientific term for heat emission or the release of heat from a body or object into its surroundings.
You could say: 'Ich habe die Abgabe erledigt' (I did the submission) or 'Die Abgabe ist erfolgt' (The submission took place).
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence using 'Abgabe' in the context of school.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'Abgabefrist'.
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Explain the difference between 'Abgabe' and 'Aufgabe' in German.
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Write a sentence using 'Sozialabgaben'.
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Use 'Abgabe' in a scientific context (heat or emission).
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Write a formal sentence about submitting a tax return.
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Write a sentence about casting a vote using 'Abgabe'.
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Use the idiom 'den Löffel abgeben' in a sentence.
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Describe a sports moment using 'Abgabe'.
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Write a sign for a pharmacy about dispensing medicine.
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Write a sentence using 'Machtabgabe'.
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Write a sentence using 'Abgabepreis'.
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Write a sentence about returning books to a library.
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Use 'Abgabe' in the context of CO2.
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Write a sentence using 'Abgabebestätigung'.
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Write a sentence about a deadline being extended.
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Write a sentence using 'Abgabenlast'.
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Write a sentence about 'Pfandflaschenabgabe'.
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Write a sentence using 'Abgabe von Kompetenzen'.
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Write a sentence using 'Abgabepflicht'.
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Say: 'Die Abgabe ist morgen.'
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Say: 'Ich habe die Abgabefrist vergessen.'
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Explain in German what 'Sozialabgaben' are.
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Say: 'Wann ist der Abgabetermin?'
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Say: 'Die Abgabe von Medikamenten ist hier.'
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Describe a soccer pass using 'Abgabe'.
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Say: 'Die Abgabenlast ist zu hoch.'
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Say: 'Die Wärmeabgabe ist effizient.'
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Say: 'Ich muss meine Stimme abgeben.'
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Say: 'Die Abgabe erfolgt online.'
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Say: 'Bitte bestätigen Sie die Abgabe.'
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Say: 'Die Abgabe der Bücher ist am Montag.'
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Say: 'Es gibt eine Abgabe auf Plastik.'
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Say: 'Er hat den Löffel abgegeben.'
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Say: 'Die Abgabefrist wurde verlängert.'
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Say: 'Gegen Abgabe des Pfands.'
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Say: 'Die Abgabe von Informationen ist wichtig.'
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Say: 'Machtabgabe ist ein Prozess.'
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Say: 'Die Abgabe der Proben ist fertig.'
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Say: 'Abgabe nur in kleinen Mengen.'
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Listen and write: 'Die Abgabe ist morgen.'
Listen and write: 'Der Abgabetermin ist vorbei.'
Listen and write: 'Sozialabgaben sind hoch.'
Listen and write: 'Die Abgabefrist endet heute.'
Listen and write: 'Wärmeabgabe messen.'
Listen and write: 'Abgabe von Medikamenten.'
Listen and write: 'Die Abgabe der Stimme.'
Listen and write: 'Machtabgabe des Königs.'
Listen and write: 'Abgabe nur in kleinen Mengen.'
Listen and write: 'Die Abgabe der Steuererklärung.'
Listen and write: 'Abgabebestätigung drucken.'
Listen and write: 'Schadstoffabgabe reduzieren.'
Listen and write: 'Die Abgabe der Schlüssel.'
Listen and write: 'Gegen Abgabe des Pfands.'
Listen and write: 'Abgabenordnung lesen.'
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Summary
The word Abgabe is essential for navigating formal German life. Whether you are handing in a paper (Abgabefrist), paying a fee (Rundfunkabgabe), or discussing emissions (CO2-Abgabe), it always implies a formal transfer or release of something from one party to another.
- Abgabe means 'submission' for school or work tasks.
- Abgabe means 'levy' or 'fee' in financial and legal contexts.
- Abgabe refers to 'emission' or 'release' in science (heat, gas).
- Abgabe can mean 'passing' the ball in sports like football.
Watch the Prepositions
Use 'von' for the object being submitted ('Abgabe von Dokumenten') and 'an' for the recipient ('Abgabe an den Lehrer').
Compound It!
If you see a word ending in -abgabe, it's usually a type of fee or emission. CO2-Abgabe, Rundfunkabgabe, etc.
Respect the Frist
Germans take 'Abgabefristen' very seriously. If a deadline is 23:59, 00:01 is too late.
Sports Talk
Use 'Abgabe' when analyzing a game to sound more like a professional commentator.
Related Content
More business words
abgleichen
B1to reconcile, to compare, to balance
ablegen
B1To file, put down; to place documents in a systematic order.
abrechnen
B1To bill or settle accounts, to calculate and present a charge.
Abteilung
A2department, section
abwickeln
B1To handle, process; to deal with or manage.
Akte
B1A collection of documents on a particular subject or case.
Aktie
B1Share, stock; a unit of ownership in a company.
Aktionär
A2shareholder, stockholder (male)
Aktionärin
A2shareholder, stockholder (female)
Akzeptieren
A2to accept
