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A2 verb #4,000 most common 9 min read

abnehmen

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips abnehmen in 30 Seconds

Explanation abnehmen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn 'abnehmen' in the context of taking off items of clothing or answering the phone. It is one of the first separable verbs you encounter. You learn that 'ab' goes to the end of the sentence: 'Ich nehme den Hörer ab.' You might also see it in very simple contexts regarding weight, like 'Ich möchte abnehmen.' The focus here is on the basic present tense conjugation (ich nehme ab, du nimmst ab, er/sie/es nimmt ab) and understanding the physical action of taking something away. It is important to distinguish it from 'ausziehen' (to take off clothes). At this stage, you use it to describe simple daily routines and polite interactions, such as offering to help someone with their bag. You should focus on the 'nehmen' root which changes to 'nimm-' in the 'du' and 'er/sie/es' forms, a common pattern in strong German verbs.

At the A2 level, 'abnehmen' becomes more frequent in the context of health and lifestyle. You will learn to use it in the perfect tense: 'Ich habe drei Kilo abgenommen.' Notice the use of 'haben' as the auxiliary verb. You also start to use it for abstract decreases, like 'Die Temperatur nimmt ab.' You'll encounter it in social situations where you offer help: 'Darf ich Ihnen die Tasche abnehmen?' This introduces the dative case (ihnen/dir/mir). You are expected to handle the separable prefix correctly in slightly more complex sentences with modal verbs: 'Ich muss abnehmen.' Here, the verb stays together at the end. You also begin to understand the noun 'Abnahme' in simple contexts, like a decrease in sales or population in a reading exercise.

At the B1 level, you use 'abnehmen' to discuss more complex topics like the environment, economy, and social trends. You might say, 'Das Interesse an diesem Thema nimmt stetig ab.' You also learn more idiomatic uses, such as 'jemandem eine Sorge abnehmen' (to take a worry away from someone/to relieve someone of a concern). You are expected to use the past tense (Präteritum) 'nahm ab' in written stories. Your understanding of the verb's nuances improves, allowing you to distinguish between 'abnehmen' (to decrease) and 'sinken' (to sink/fall). You also encounter the verb in the context of 'Abnahme' meaning the official inspection of a technical device or a building project. You should be comfortable using the verb in various subordinate clauses: 'Weil ich abnehmen will, esse ich weniger Zucker.'

At the B2 level, you explore the more formal and professional uses of 'abnehmen'. This includes the 'Abnahme' of a project or a product in a business environment. You learn that 'abnehmen' can mean to 'buy' or 'purchase' in a B2B context: 'Die Firma nimmt uns monatlich 1000 Einheiten ab.' You also use the colloquial expression 'jemandem etwas abnehmen' to mean 'to believe someone': 'Diese Ausrede nimmt ihm niemand ab.' You should be able to discuss complex social issues, such as 'abnehmende Ressourcen' (diminishing resources). Your grammar should be precise, correctly placing the prefix even in complex passive constructions or with 'zu' infinitives: 'Es ist schwer, im Urlaub abzunehmen.' You also start to recognize related words like 'abnehmbar' (detachable).

At the C1 level, you master the subtle stylistic nuances of 'abnehmen'. You can use it in highly formal reports to describe a 'degressive' trend or a waning of power/influence: 'Sein politischer Einfluss nahm zusehends ab.' You understand its use in specialized fields, like knitting (decreasing stitches) or photography/optics. You can use the verb in sophisticated metaphorical contexts, such as 'jemandem das Wort abnehmen' (to take the words out of someone's mouth or to interrupt/relieve them in a speech). You are aware of regional variations and can identify 'abnehmen' in historical texts. Your usage is fluid, and you can switch between 'abnehmen', 'nachlassen', 'schwinden', and 'verringern' to avoid repetition and add precision to your academic or professional writing.

At the C2 level, 'abnehmen' is used with complete native-like precision across all registers. You understand its role in complex idiomatic expressions and literary contexts. You can analyze the etymological development of the word from Middle High German 'abenemen' and how its meanings have branched out over centuries. You use it to describe philosophical or scientific concepts, such as the 'abnehmende Ertragszuwachs' (diminishing marginal utility) in economics. You can appreciate the word's use in poetry to describe the fading of light or life. Your ability to use the verb and its derivatives (Abnehmer, Abnahme, abnehmlich) is flawless, even in the most nuanced rhetorical situations. You can effortlessly explain the difference between 'abnehmen' and 'entgegennehmen' in a legal or high-level administrative context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

abnehmen in 30 Seconds

Used primarily for weight loss and decreasing amounts.
A separable verb where 'ab' moves to the end.
Means 'to answer' in the context of old-style phones.
Can mean 'to believe' in casual German conversations.

The German verb abnehmen is a versatile and essential part of the German language, primarily categorized as a separable verb. At its core, it describes a process of reduction, removal, or acceptance. For English speakers, the most common association is with the concept of weight loss. When a German person says, Ich möchte abnehmen, they are expressing a desire to lose weight. However, the semantic range extends far beyond the bathroom scale. In a physical sense, it refers to the act of taking something off or away from a surface or person. For example, you might den Hut abnehmen (take off your hat) or jemandem die schweren Taschen abnehmen (take the heavy bags from someone to help them). This nuance of 'relieving someone of a burden' is a key cultural aspect of the word, reflecting helpfulness.

Weight Loss: The most frequent use in modern daily life, referring to the reduction of body mass through diet or exercise.
Decrease/Decline: Used for abstract quantities like interest, temperature, or intensity. For instance, 'Das Interesse nimmt ab' means interest is waning.
Telephony: In the context of a phone call, it means to pick up or answer the receiver (den Hörer abnehmen).

Wenn man gesund isst, kann man leichter abnehmen.

Beyond these, it also appears in business and technical contexts. If a project is finished, a supervisor might das Projekt abnehmen, meaning they officially inspect and approve it. This is known as 'Abnahme'. In knitting, it refers to decreasing the number of stitches. The word's flexibility is rooted in its prefix 'ab-' (away/down) and the root 'nehmen' (to take). Understanding the context is crucial because while 'abnehmen' usually implies a positive or neutral reduction, in some contexts, like 'die Sehkraft nimmt ab' (eyesight is failing), it denotes a negative decline.

Er nimmt den Hörer ab.

Die Tage nehmen im Winter ab.

Physical Removal: Taking off glasses, a hat, or a mask. It implies a deliberate action of removing something from the body.

Darf ich Ihnen den Mantel abnehmen?

In summary, 'abnehmen' is a high-frequency verb that transitions seamlessly from health and fitness to social etiquette and abstract statistical trends. Its mastery allows learners to describe changes in the world and interact politely in social environments.

Using abnehmen correctly requires attention to its status as a separable verb and its various grammatical patterns. When used to mean 'to lose weight', it is intransitive, meaning it doesn't require a direct object. You simply say, Ich habe fünf Kilo abgenommen. Note that the auxiliary verb for the perfect tense is always 'haben'. This is a common point of confusion for learners who might expect 'sein' because weight loss involves a change of state, but 'abnehmen' follows the rule for most verbs of reduction.

The Dative Connection: When taking something away from someone (to help them), the person being helped is in the dative case. 'Ich nehme DIR (dative) die Arbeit AB'.

Kannst du mir bitte die Tasche abnehmen?

When describing a decrease in numbers or intensity, the subject is the thing that is decreasing. 'Die Lautstärke nimmt ab' (The volume is decreasing). This usage is very common in scientific, meteorological, and economic reports. You will often see it paired with 'stetig' (steadily) or 'drastisch' (drastically).

Die Temperatur nimmt in der Nacht ab.

Another nuanced use is 'jemandem etwas abnehmen' in the sense of 'to believe someone'. If someone tells an unlikely story, you might say, Das nehme ich dir nicht ab! (I don't buy that / I don't believe you). This is a colloquial but very common expression.

Telephony Pattern: Specifically 'den Hörer abnehmen'. Even in the age of smartphones, this phrase persists, though 'ans Telefon gehen' is now more common.

Niemand nahm den Hörer ab, obwohl es lange klingelte.

Der Architekt nimmt den Bau ab.

Mastery of these patterns ensures that you can use 'abnehmen' in both formal reports and casual conversations. Whether you are discussing your diet or questioning a friend's excuse, the verb provides the necessary precision.

You will encounter abnehmen in a variety of real-world settings across German-speaking countries. In a fitness studio (Fitnessstudio) or at the doctor's office, it is the standard term for weight loss. You'll see it on magazine covers promising Schnell abnehmen ohne Diät (Lose weight fast without a diet). In the business world, specifically in manufacturing or construction, the term 'Abnahme' (the noun form) is ubiquitous. It refers to the formal acceptance of a product or service. If you buy a house, the 'Bauabnahme' is the final walkthrough.

The News and Media: Economic news frequently reports 'Die Arbeitslosigkeit nimmt ab' (Unemployment is decreasing) or 'Die Kaufkraft nimmt ab' (Purchasing power is decreasing).

Die Experten erwarten, dass die Inflation bald abnimmt.

In social contexts, specifically in German 'Gastfreundschaft' (hospitality), a host will often say, Darf ich Ihnen den Mantel abnehmen? as you enter their home. This is a polite way of offering to hang up your coat. In a more casual setting, if you are carrying many things, a friend might say, Soll ich dir was abnehmen? (Should I take something from you/help you carry?).

Bitte nehmen Sie Ihre Kopfhörer ab.

On the radio, weather presenters use it to describe decreasing wind speeds or temperatures. 'Der Wind nimmt gegen Abend ab.' In literature and more formal speech, it can describe the waning of the moon: 'Der abnehmende Mond'.

Daily Life: At the grocery store or post office, a clerk might 'abnehmen' a parcel from the scale after weighing it.

Wenn das Licht abnimmt, wird es schwer zu lesen.

Whether you're reading a scientific journal or visiting a German friend, 'abnehmen' is a word that bridges technical precision with everyday warmth.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with abnehmen is confusing it with other verbs related to 'taking' or 'removing'. For weight loss, learners sometimes try to use 'verlieren' (to lose), saying Ich habe Gewicht verloren. While this is grammatically correct and understood, 'abnehmen' is the much more natural and common way to express this in German. Using 'verlieren' can sound like you lost your weight by accident, like losing your keys.

Abnehmen vs. Ausziehen: Use 'ausziehen' for clothing like shirts or pants. Use 'abnehmen' for accessories like hats, glasses, or jewelry.

Falsch: Ich nehme meine Schuhe ab. (Korrekt: Ich ziehe meine Schuhe aus.)

Another common error is the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense. Because weight loss is a 'change', many learners want to use 'sein' (Ich bin abgenommen). However, 'abnehmen' always uses 'haben'.

Er hat im letzten Monat drei Kilo abgenommen.

Confusion also arises with the dative object. In the phrase 'jemandem etwas abnehmen' (to relieve someone of something), the person is in the dative case. Learners often mistakenly use the accusative.

The Believe/Buy Mistake: When you 'don't believe' someone, the person is dative. 'Ich nehme DIR (not DICH) das nicht ab'.

Es ist wichtig, dass die Spannung nicht abnimmt.

Finally, ensure you don't confuse 'abnehmen' with 'ausnehmen' (to gut/to except) or 'annehmen' (to accept/assume). While 'annehmen' also means 'to accept', 'abnehmen' is used for physical taking or formal inspection. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your German sound much more authentic.

German is a language of precision, and while abnehmen is very common, several synonyms and related verbs offer more specific shades of meaning. When discussing a decrease in numbers, 'sinken' or 'verringern' are excellent alternatives. 'Sinken' is often used for prices or levels (Die Preise sinken), while 'verringern' is used when someone actively reduces something (Wir verringern die Kosten).

Abnehmen vs. Sinken: 'Abnehmen' is general; 'sinken' specifically implies a downward movement (like a thermometer or a ship).
Abnehmen vs. Reduzieren: 'Reduzieren' is often more formal or technical. You reduce (reduzieren) the speed of a car, but the wind decreases (nimmt ab).

Die Zahl der Teilnehmer ist gesunken.

In the context of weight loss, you might hear 'abspecken', which is a more colloquial, slightly humorous way to say 'to shed some fat'. On the other end, 'magern' or 'abmagern' implies becoming thin in an unhealthy or drastic way.

Nach der langen Krankheit ist er stark abgemagert.

For the meaning of 'taking something off', 'absetzen' is a specific alternative for items like glasses or a backpack. 'Den Rucksack absetzen' is more common than 'den Rucksack abnehmen'.

Abnehmen vs. Absetzen: 'Absetzen' implies putting something down onto a surface. 'Abnehmen' implies taking it off the person.

Er setzt seine Brille ab, um sich die Augen zu reiben.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your language to the situation, whether you're having a casual chat about fitness or writing a formal business report on declining sales.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In the Middle Ages, 'abnehmen' was often used in a legal sense for taking an oath or removing someone from office.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈapˌneːmən/

US /ˈɑpˌneɪmən/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: 'AB-nehmen'.

Rhymes With

zunehmen unternehmen angenehmen bequemen vernehmen zähmen lähmen schämen

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'b' as a voiced 'b' instead of a 'p'.
Forgetting to stress the prefix.
Pronouncing the 'h' (it should be silent).
Shortening the long 'e' in the second syllable.
Not separating the prefix in speech.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, though the prefix can be far away.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct placement of the separable prefix and 'ge' in perfect tense.

Speaking 3/5

The vowel change (e to i) in singular forms needs practice.

Listening 2/5

The 'ab' at the end is a clear marker once you're used to it.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

nehmen geben groß klein viel

Learn Next

zunehmen ausziehen anprobieren reduzieren sinken

Advanced

die Abnahme abnehmbar die Verringerung nachlassen schwinden

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs

Ich nehme ab. (The prefix 'ab' moves to the end in main clauses.)

Vowel Change (Ablaut)

Er nImmt ab. (The 'e' changes to 'i' in 2nd and 3rd person singular.)

Perfect Tense with 'haben'

Ich habe abgenommen. (Uses 'haben' even though it's a change of state.)

Dative Object for Assistance

Ich nehme DIR die Arbeit ab. (The person being helped is in dative.)

Infinitive with 'zu'

Es ist schwer, abzunehmen. (The 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the root.)

Examples by Level

Ich nehme den Hörer ab.

I pick up the phone receiver.

Separable verb 'abnehmen'. Prefix 'ab' at the end.

Nimm bitte deinen Hut ab!

Please take off your hat!

Imperative form of 'abnehmen' (du-form).

Er nimmt das Telefon ab.

He answers the phone.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Ich möchte abnehmen.

I want to lose weight.

Modal verb 'möchte' + infinitive 'abnehmen'.

Kannst du mir die Tasche abnehmen?

Can you take the bag from me?

Dative 'mir' indicates the person being helped.

Wir nehmen ab.

We are losing weight.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Nimmst du ab?

Are you answering (the phone)?

Question form with separable verb.

Sie nimmt die Brille ab.

She takes off the glasses.

Direct object 'die Brille' in accusative.

Ich habe fünf Kilo abgenommen.

I have lost five kilos.

Perfect tense with 'haben' + 'abgenommen'.

Die Temperatur nimmt im Winter ab.

The temperature decreases in winter.

Inanimate subject 'Die Temperatur'.

Darf ich Ihnen den Mantel abnehmen?

May I take your coat?

Formal dative 'Ihnen'.

Das Kind hat schnell abgenommen.

The child lost weight quickly.

Perfect tense usage.

Er nimmt den Deckel vom Topf ab.

He takes the lid off the pot.

Physical removal from an object.

Die Schmerzen nehmen langsam ab.

The pain is slowly decreasing.

Abstract decrease in intensity.

Warum hast du nicht abgenommen?

Why didn't you answer (the phone)?

Perfect tense in a question.

Ich muss den Verband abnehmen.

I have to take off the bandage.

Modal verb construction.

Die Arbeitslosigkeit nimmt dieses Jahr ab.

Unemployment is decreasing this year.

Economic context, 'abnehmen' as decrease.

Er nahm mir die ganze Arbeit ab.

He took all the work off my hands.

Präteritum (past tense) 'nahm ... ab'.

Das Interesse an dem Kurs nimmt ab.

Interest in the course is waning.

Abstract subject 'Das Interesse'.

Ich weiß, dass sie abgenommen hat.

I know that she has lost weight.

Subordinate clause: prefix stays attached to the verb.

Der Wind nimmt gegen Abend ab.

The wind dies down towards evening.

Meteorological context.

Man sollte die Maske jetzt abnehmen.

One should take off the mask now.

Impersonal 'man' with modal verb.

Er hat mir das Versprechen abgenommen.

He made me promise (literally: took the promise from me).

Idiomatic use with 'Versprechen'.

Die Produktion nahm drastisch ab.

Production decreased drastically.

Präteritum with adverb 'drastisch'.

Der Ingenieur muss die Maschine noch abnehmen.

The engineer still has to approve/inspect the machine.

Technical sense: formal inspection/acceptance.

Diese Geschichte nehme ich dir nicht ab!

I don't believe this story!

Colloquial idiom meaning 'to believe'.

Die Sehkraft nimmt im Alter oft ab.

Eyesight often decreases with age.

Medical/Biological context.

Wir nehmen der Firma monatlich Waren ab.

We purchase goods from the company monthly.

Commercial sense: to purchase/take delivery.

Die Kriminalität hat in diesem Viertel abgenommen.

Crime has decreased in this neighborhood.

Sociological context.

Er hat mir die Entscheidung abgenommen.

He made the decision for me (relieved me of it).

Relieving someone of a mental burden.

Der abnehmende Mond ist heute gut zu sehen.

The waning moon is clearly visible today.

Participle used as an adjective (abnehmend).

Das Gewicht des Pakets hat abgenommen.

The weight of the package has decreased.

Physical property 'Gewicht'.

Die Intensität des Lichts nimmt stetig ab.

The intensity of the light is steadily decreasing.

Scientific register.

Nach der Wahl nahm sein Einfluss zusehends ab.

After the election, his influence noticeably waned.

Formal/Political register.

Die Behörde hat den Neubau endlich abgenommen.

The authority has finally approved the new building.

Administrative/Legal context.

Es ist eine Kunst, Maschen gleichmäßig abzunehmen.

It is an art to decrease stitches evenly.

Specialized context (knitting).

Er wollte mir die Verantwortung abnehmen.

He wanted to take the responsibility off my shoulders.

Abstract use with 'Verantwortung'.

Die Population der Bienen nimmt weltweit ab.

The bee population is decreasing worldwide.

Environmental/Scientific context.

Ich nehme Ihnen das Wort ab, um fortzufahren.

I will take over from you (speaking) to continue.

Formal rhetorical use.

Der Druck im Kessel nimmt langsam ab.

The pressure in the boiler is slowly decreasing.

Technical/Engineering context.

Mit abnehmender Hoffnung sank auch sein Mut.

With waning hope, his courage also sank.

Literary use of the present participle.

Die Grenzkosten nehmen mit steigender Menge ab.

Marginal costs decrease with increasing quantity.

Academic/Economic register.

Es obliegt dem Prüfer, das Werkstück abzunehmen.

It is the examiner's duty to officially inspect the workpiece.

Highly formal/Legalistic style.

Die Leuchtkraft der Sterne nimmt über Jahrmillionen ab.

The luminosity of stars decreases over millions of years.

Scientific/Astronomical register.

Man kann ihm die Ernsthaftigkeit seines Anliegens nicht abnehmen.

One cannot believe the seriousness of his concern.

Complex negation with idiomatic 'abnehmen'.

Die abnehmende Ertragskraft des Bodens besorgt die Bauern.

The diminishing productivity of the soil worries the farmers.

Formal agricultural/economic term.

Der Dirigent nahm dem Solisten den Einsatz ab.

The conductor took the cue from the soloist (or guided them).

Musical/Technical register.

In der Philosophie nimmt die Gewissheit oft ab, je tiefer man fragt.

In philosophy, certainty often decreases the deeper one questions.

Philosophical/Abstract register.

Common Collocations

an Gewicht abnehmen

drastisch abnehmen

stetig abnehmen

den Hörer abnehmen

jemandem die Arbeit abnehmen

den Hut abnehmen

die Sehkraft nimmt ab

eine Prüfung abnehmen

ein Paket abnehmen

die Spannung nimmt ab

Common Phrases

Das nehme ich dir nicht ab.

— I don't believe you / I don't buy that story.

Du warst krank? Das nehme ich dir nicht ab!

Darf ich Ihnen etwas abnehmen?

— May I help you carry something?

Sie haben so viele Koffer. Darf ich Ihnen etwas abnehmen?

Abnehmen leicht gemacht.

— Weight loss made easy (common marketing slogan).

In diesem Buch finden Sie Tipps für 'Abnehmen leicht gemacht'.

Die Tage nehmen ab.

— The days are getting shorter (in autumn/winter).

Nach dem Sommer nehmen die Tage wieder ab.

Den Hörer abnehmen.

— To pick up the phone receiver.

Du musst abnehmen, wenn es klingelt!

Eine Last abnehmen.

— To take a burden off someone.

Seine Hilfe hat mir eine große Last abgenommen.

Die Maske abnehmen.

— To take off the mask (literally or figuratively).

Nach der Party nahm er die Maske ab.

Ein Projekt abnehmen.

— To officially approve a project.

Der Chef muss das Projekt noch abnehmen.

Maschen abnehmen.

— To decrease stitches in knitting.

Hier musst du jede zweite Reihe eine Masche abnehmen.

Fahrt abnehmen.

— To lose speed (nautical or general).

Das Schiff nahm langsam Fahrt ab.

Often Confused With

abnehmen vs ausziehen

Use 'ausziehen' for clothes, 'abnehmen' for accessories like hats or glasses.

abnehmen vs verlieren

English uses 'lose weight', but German prefers 'abnehmen' over 'Gewicht verlieren'.

abnehmen vs annehmen

Annehmen means to accept/assume; abnehmen means to take off/decrease/formally inspect.

Idioms & Expressions

"Jemandem die Butter vom Brot nehmen"

— To take something away from someone that they deserve or need (related to 'nehmen').

Er lässt sich nicht die Butter vom Brot nehmen.

informal

"Jemandem die Worte aus dem Mund nehmen"

— To say exactly what someone else was about to say.

Du nimmst mir die Worte aus dem Mund!

neutral

"Den Hut vor jemandem ziehen/abnehmen"

— To show great respect for someone.

Ich nehme den Hut vor deiner Leistung.

neutral

"Etwas auf die leichte Schulter nehmen"

— To not take something seriously enough.

Du solltest die Prüfung nicht auf die leichte Schulter nehmen.

neutral

"Sich etwas zu Herzen nehmen"

— To take something to heart / be offended or moved.

Nimm dir die Kritik nicht so zu Herzen.

neutral

"Jemandem den Wind aus den Segeln nehmen"

— To take the wind out of someone's sails (to weaken their argument).

Mit diesem Argument nahm sie ihm den Wind aus den Segeln.

neutral

"Jemandem die Schau stehlen"

— To steal the show (related to 'taking' attention).

Der Hund hat allen die Schau gestohlen.

informal

"Etwas in Kauf nehmen"

— To accept something unpleasant as part of a deal.

Für den Job muss er den langen Arbeitsweg in Kauf nehmen.

neutral

"Jemandem die Last abnehmen"

— To relieve someone of a burden.

Sie hat mir die Last der Entscheidung abgenommen.

neutral

"Etwas beim Wort nehmen"

— To take someone at their word.

Ich nehme dich beim Wort!

neutral

Easily Confused

abnehmen vs zunehmen

Opposite meaning but same root.

Zunehmen means to increase or gain weight; abnehmen means to decrease or lose weight.

Im Winter nehme ich meistens zu, nicht ab.

abnehmen vs aufnehmen

Same root, different prefix.

Aufnehmen means to record, absorb, or pick up from the ground; abnehmen means to take off or decrease.

Ich nehme das Gespräch auf.

abnehmen vs mitnehmen

Same root, different prefix.

Mitnehmen means to take something with you; abnehmen means to take something off or decrease.

Nimm deinen Regenschirm mit!

abnehmen vs vernehmen

Same root, different prefix.

Vernehmen is a formal word for hearing or interrogating; abnehmen is for decreasing or removing.

Der Zeuge wurde vernommen.

abnehmen vs benehmen

Same root, different prefix.

Benehmen is a reflexive verb meaning to behave; abnehmen is about reduction.

Du musst dich ordentlich benehmen!

Sentence Patterns

Ich nehme [Objekt] ab.

Ich nehme den Hut ab.

Ich habe [Menge] abgenommen.

Ich habe drei Kilo abgenommen.

Kann ich dir [Objekt] abnehmen?

Kann ich dir die Tasche abnehmen?

[Subjekt] nimmt stetig ab.

Das Interesse nimmt stetig ab.

Ich nehme dir [Aussage] nicht ab.

Ich nehme dir diese Ausrede nicht ab.

[Person] muss [Projekt] abnehmen.

Der Chef muss die Arbeit abnehmen.

Mit abnehmender/m [Substantiv]...

Mit abnehmender Kraft gab er auf.

Es obliegt [Dativ], [Objekt] abzunehmen.

Es obliegt dem Amt, den Bau abzunehmen.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high, especially in daily conversation and news.

Common Mistakes

Ich bin abgenommen. → Ich habe abgenommen.
Even though it is a change of state, 'abnehmen' uses the auxiliary 'haben'.
Ich nehme meine Jacke ab. → Ich ziehe meine Jacke aus.
Use 'ausziehen' for clothing. 'Abnehmen' is for accessories like hats or glasses.
Ich nehme dich das nicht ab. → Ich nehme dir das nicht ab.
The person you are not believing must be in the dative case (dir), not accusative (dich).
Die Preise nehmen ab. → Die Preise sinken.
While 'abnehmen' is possible, 'sinken' is the standard verb for prices and levels.
Er hat abgenimmt. → Er hat abgenommen.
The past participle of the strong verb 'nehmen' is 'genommen', so it's 'abgenommen'.

Tips

Prefix Position

In a main clause, the prefix 'ab' always goes to the very end. 'Ich nehme heute meine Brille ab.'

Weight Loss

You don't need to say 'Gewicht' (weight) with 'abnehmen'. Just saying 'Ich nehme ab' clearly means you are losing weight.

Offering Help

Use 'Soll ich dir was abnehmen?' when you see someone struggling with bags. It's a very kind and common gesture.

Skepticism

If someone makes a wild claim, use 'Das nehme ich dir nicht ab' to show you are not easily fooled.

Phone Manners

Even if you just tap a screen, 'abnehmen' is the classic verb for answering. 'Warum nimmst du nicht ab?'

Stress the Start

Always put the stress on the 'AB'. If you stress the 'nehmen', it might sound like a different verb.

Perfect Tense

Always use 'haben' with 'abnehmen'. 'Ich habe abgenommen' is the only correct way to say you've lost weight.

Technical Use

In a job, 'die Abnahme' is the final check. If you work in tech or construction, this word is vital.

Moon Phases

Remember 'abnehmender Mond' for waning and 'zunehmender Mond' for waxing. Easy way to remember both opposites.

Synonym Choice

For prices, 'sinken' is better. For weight, 'abnehmen' is best. For formal reduction, use 'verringern'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ab' as 'Away' and 'Nehmen' as 'Take'. You 'Take Away' the pounds to lose weight, or 'Take Away' the hat from your head.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a scale, and a giant hand 'taking away' (abnehmen) heavy weights from their shoulders.

Word Web

Diät Gewicht Telefon Hut weniger sinken Hörer Kilo

Challenge

Try to use 'abnehmen' in three different ways today: once for weight, once for an object, and once for a phone call.

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'abenemen', originating from Old High German 'abaneman'. It is a combination of the prefix 'ab-' (off/away) and 'neman' (to take).

Original meaning: To take away or to remove something from a place.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing weight loss; like in English, it can be a sensitive personal topic.

English uses 'lose weight' (verb + noun), while German often uses the single verb 'abnehmen'.

The song 'Abnehmen' by various pop artists. German health magazines like 'Apotheken Umschau'. Common TV tropes of answering the phone with 'Abnehmen'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Fitness/Health

Ich möchte abnehmen.
Wie viel hast du abgenommen?
Gesund abnehmen.
An Gewicht abnehmen.

Social Etiquette

Darf ich Ihnen den Mantel abnehmen?
Soll ich dir die Taschen abnehmen?
Kannst du mir das abnehmen?
Danke fürs Abnehmen!

Telephony

Den Hörer abnehmen.
Warum nimmst du nicht ab?
Er hat sofort abgenommen.
Niemand nimmt ab.

Business/Technical

Das Projekt abnehmen.
Die Bauabnahme.
Eine Prüfung abnehmen.
Waren abnehmen.

Weather/Science

Der Wind nimmt ab.
Die Temperatur nimmt ab.
Das Licht nimmt ab.
Die Sehkraft nimmt ab.

Conversation Starters

"Hast du dir vorgenommen, dieses Jahr ein bisschen abzunehmen?"

"Soll ich dir die schweren Einkäufe bis zur Tür abnehmen?"

"Warum hat eigentlich niemand abgenommen, als ich vorhin angerufen habe?"

"Glaubst du, dass das Interesse an Social Media in Zukunft abnehmen wird?"

"Wann wird der Architekt endlich den Neubau offiziell abnehmen?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Zeit, in der du erfolgreich abgenommen hast oder gesünder leben wolltest.

Was sind Dinge, die du anderen Menschen gerne abnehmen würdest, um ihnen zu helfen?

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der dir jemand eine Lüge erzählt hat und du sie ihm nicht abgenommen hast.

Wie fühlst du dich, wenn die Tage im Winter abnehmen und es früher dunkel wird?

Reflektiere über die Bedeutung von 'Abnahme' in deinem Beruf oder Studium.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for clothing like shirts, jackets, or pants, you should use 'ausziehen'. 'Abnehmen' is reserved for accessories like hats, glasses, jewelry, or masks. Using 'abnehmen' for a shirt would sound very strange to a native speaker, almost as if you were surgically removing it.

Definitely not! While weight loss is a common meaning, it's also used for answering the phone, decreasing intensity (like wind or pain), and helping someone carry something. It's a very versatile verb with many applications in daily life and technical fields.

In German, most verbs that describe a reduction or a process of 'taking' use 'haben' as the auxiliary verb. Even though weight loss is a change of state, 'abnehmen' follows the grammatical pattern of its root 'nehmen', which always takes 'haben'. 'Ich bin abgenommen' is a common mistake for English speakers.

In business and construction, 'Abnahme' is the formal process where a client inspects a finished product or building and signs off on it. Once the 'Abnahme' is complete, the responsibility often shifts from the contractor to the owner, and the final payment is usually due.

You say 'Das nehme ich dir nicht ab.' Note that 'dir' is in the dative case. It literally translates to 'I don't take that from you,' implying you don't accept the story as true. It's a very common and slightly skeptical way to respond to an excuse.

Yes! The waning moon is called 'der abnehmende Mond'. Conversely, the waxing moon is 'der zunehmende Mond'. This is a very common way to describe the phases of the moon in German.

Technically yes, but it sounds a bit old-fashioned because 'abnehmen' refers to picking up a physical receiver (Hörer). Nowadays, people often say 'rangehen' (Ich gehe ran) or 'das Gespräch annehmen', but 'abnehmen' is still widely understood and used.

'Abnehmen' is more general and can be used for natural processes (the wind decreases). 'Verringern' often implies an active, intentional reduction by someone (we are reducing the costs). 'Verringern' is also slightly more formal than 'abnehmen'.

Yes, it is the technical term for decreasing the number of stitches. If you are following a German knitting pattern, you will frequently see instructions to 'Maschen abnehmen' to shape the garment.

Yes, it is a strong (irregular) verb because the stem vowel changes from 'e' to 'i' in the present singular (nimmt) and to 'a' in the past tense (nahm). The past participle is 'abgenommen'.