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A2 verb #4,000 most common 10 min read

fasten

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips fasten in 30 Seconds

Explanation fasten in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'fasten' means not eating for a while. It looks like the English word 'fast', which makes it easy to remember. You might hear it in simple sentences like 'Ich faste heute' (I am fasting today). At this stage, just focus on the basic meaning: no food. You don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember it's a regular verb like 'lernen' or 'machen'. If you are in a German class, your teacher might mention it during Easter time. It is a good word to know to describe your habits, even if you just do it for one day. Don't confuse it with 'fest', which means 'hard' or 'solid'. Just think of 'fasten' as a verb for a special kind of 'not eating'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'fasten' to talk about traditions and health. You should be able to form sentences in the past tense: 'Letztes Jahr habe ich gefastet.' You will also encounter the noun 'die Fastenzeit' (the fasting period/Lent). At this level, you should understand that Germans often fast from specific things like 'Süßigkeiten' (sweets) or 'Alkohol'. You can use the word to describe your plans for the spring. You might also see it in health contexts, like 'Intervallfasten'. It's important to distinguish it from the adverb 'fast' (almost). For example: 'Ich habe fast gefastet' means 'I almost fasted' (but I ate a burger instead). Practice using it with time expressions like 'eine Woche lang' or 'einen Tag'.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'fasten' in various social and religious contexts. You can explain why people fast, using connectors like 'weil' or 'obwohl'. For example: 'Ich faste, weil ich mich gesünder fühlen möchte.' You should also know the difference between 'fasten' and 'verzichten auf'. While 'fasten' is the general act, 'verzichten' is used when you name the specific item. You will hear this word in discussions about 'Selbstoptimierung' (self-optimization) or religious diversity in Germany. You should also be aware of the medical use; if a doctor tells you to come 'nüchtern', they are essentially telling you to fast. You can participate in conversations about the pros and cons of different fasting methods like 'Saftfasten' (juice fasting).

At the B2 level, you can use 'fasten' to discuss more abstract concepts like 'Konsumverzicht' (renunciation of consumption). You should understand the cultural significance of the 'Fastenpredigt' and how fasting is integrated into the German calendar. You can read articles about the biological effects of fasting, such as 'Autophagie' (autophagy), and use the verb in more complex grammatical structures, like the passive voice or with modal verbs: 'Es muss streng gefastet werden.' You should also be able to distinguish between 'fasten' and 'hungern' in nuanced ways, recognizing that 'fasten' implies agency and purpose, whereas 'hungern' often implies suffering or lack of resources. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'Fastenbrechen' and 'Heilfasten'.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the historical and philosophical nuances of 'fasten'. You can analyze literature where fasting is used as a metaphor for spiritual purity or social protest. You are familiar with the etymological roots (Old High German 'fastēn') and how the meaning has evolved from 'holding fast to a rule' to the modern focus on health. You can discuss the ethics of fasting in a world where others are 'hungern' (starving). You should be able to use the word in formal academic or medical discussions, perhaps debating the efficacy of 'Intervallfasten' based on scientific studies. Your use of the word should be precise, incorporating sophisticated adverbs and idiomatic expressions flawlessly.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the verb 'fasten' and all its cultural, religious, and scientific connotations. You can appreciate the irony of 'Starkbierzeit' (strong beer season) being a product of fasting monks. You can engage in high-level debates about the 'Fasten' as a socio-political statement against overconsumption. You understand the most obscure references, such as Kafka's 'Ein Hungerkünstler' (A Hunger Artist), and can discuss the linguistic subtleties between 'fasten', 'darben', and 'kasteien'. You can write professional articles or give lectures on the role of fasting in German history or modern medicine. Your command of the word allows you to use it with absolute precision in any register, from informal slang to the highest academic prose.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

fasten in 30 Seconds

Fasten is a regular German verb meaning 'to fast' (abstaining from food).
It is used in religious (Lent, Ramadan) and health (intermittent fasting) contexts.
Do not confuse it with 'fast' (almost) or the English 'fasten' (to tie).
It implies a voluntary choice, unlike 'hungern' which suggests involuntary starvation.

The German verb fasten is a fundamental term used to describe the act of abstaining from food, drink, or certain pleasures, typically for religious, spiritual, or health-related reasons. While it shares the same root as the English word 'fast', its usage in Germany is deeply embedded in both traditional Christian culture and modern health trends. In a religious context, it refers to periods like Lent (the 40 days before Easter) or Ramadan. In a secular context, it has gained massive popularity through 'Heilfasten' (therapeutic fasting) and 'Intervallfasten' (intermittent fasting).

Religious Observance: In Germany, many people 'fasten' during the 'Fastenzeit' between Ash Wednesday and Easter. This doesn't always mean total starvation; often, it means giving up a specific vice like sweets, alcohol, or social media.

Viele Menschen in Deutschland fasten vor Ostern, um ihren Körper und Geist zu reinigen.

Historically, the word comes from the Old High German 'fastēn', which meant 'to hold firm' or 'to observe a rule'. This linguistic connection suggests that fasting is not just about the absence of food, but about the presence of self-discipline. When you use fasten, you are implying a conscious, voluntary choice. It is never used for involuntary hunger or starvation (for that, you would use 'hungern').

Medical Context: 'Heilfasten' is a common practice in German naturopathy. Doctors might prescribe a 'Fastenkur' to help with chronic inflammation or metabolic issues.

Mein Arzt hat mir empfohlen, eine Woche lang unter Aufsicht zu fasten.

Culturally, fasting is seen as a 'reset'. Germans often talk about 'Entschlackung' (detoxification) during their fasting periods. It is a topic of conversation at the dinner table (ironically) and in lifestyle magazines. Whether it is 'Digital Fasting' (giving up smartphones) or 'Auto-Fasten' (using the bike instead of the car), the verb fasten has expanded its reach far beyond just calories. It represents a broader philosophy of 'Verzicht' (renunciation) for the sake of personal growth.

Cultural Nuance: During 'Karneval' (Carnival), people indulge to the extreme specifically because they know the 'Fastenzeit' begins immediately after on Ash Wednesday.

Nach der großen Party am Dienstag fangen wir am Mittwoch an zu fasten.

Ich habe früher aus religiösen Gründen gefastet, aber heute mache ich es für meine Gesundheit.

Es ist schwer zu fasten, wenn alle anderen um einen herum Pizza essen.

Using the verb fasten is grammatically straightforward because it is a regular (weak) verb. However, the context determines whether you use it alone or with prepositional objects. In its simplest form, it is intransitive: 'Ich faste' (I am fasting). When you want to specify what you are giving up, you often use the noun form or the related verb 'verzichten auf'.

Simple Present Tense: Used for current habits or future plans. 'Er fastet jedes Jahr im Frühling.' (He fasts every year in spring.)

Wir fasten diesen Monat gemeinsam.

In the conversational past (Perfekt), you use the auxiliary verb 'haben' followed by the past participle 'gefastet'. This is the most common way to talk about a completed period of fasting. 'Ich habe sieben Tage lang nur Wasser getrunken und gefastet.' (I drank only water and fasted for seven days.) Notice how the verb describes the state of not eating.

Infinitive Constructions: Often used with 'aufhören' (to stop) or 'anfangen' (to start). 'Es ist Zeit, mit dem Fasten aufzuhören.' (It is time to stop fasting.)

Hast du schon einmal versucht, drei Tage am Stück zu fasten?

When discussing the 'how' of fasting, Germans often use adverbs. 'Streng fasten' means to fast strictly (perhaps only water), while 'mild fasten' might allow juices or soups. If you are fasting for a specific event, you use 'für' or 'wegen'. 'Ich faste für die Operation' (I am fasting for the surgery) or 'Ich faste wegen meiner Religion' (I am fasting because of my religion).

The Imperative: Used in religious or medical instructions. 'Fastet und betet!' (Fast and pray!) or 'Fasten Sie bitte ab Mitternacht.' (Please fast from midnight.)

Wenn du gesund werden willst, solltest du öfter mal fasten.

Obwohl er Hunger hatte, wollte er bis Sonnenuntergang fasten.

Sie fastete vierzig Tage lang in der Wüste.

In modern Germany, the word fasten is ubiquitous in health and wellness circles. You will hear it in doctor's offices, gyms, and on morning talk shows. The concept of 'Intervallfasten' (Intermittent Fasting, specifically the 16:8 method) has become a cultural phenomenon. People discuss their 'Fastenfenster' (fasting window) as casually as they discuss the weather. If you are in a German office, don't be surprised if a colleague declines a piece of cake because they are currently 'fasting'.

In the Media: Magazines like 'Focus' or 'Spiegel' frequently run cover stories on 'Richtig Fasten' (Fasting correctly) or the benefits of 'Autophagie' (autophagy) triggered by fasting.

In der Zeitung steht, dass fasten das Leben verlängern kann.

Another major context is the religious diversity of Germany. With a significant Muslim population, the term is used frequently during Ramadan. You will see signs in bakeries or hear news reports about 'das Fastenbrechen' (the breaking of the fast/Iftar). Similarly, in predominantly Catholic regions like Bavaria or the Rhineland, 'fasten' is the standard term for the pre-Easter period. Even secular people often participate in '7 Wochen Ohne' (7 weeks without), a popular initiative where people fast from things like alcohol, meat, or complaining.

Medical Settings: Before a blood test or surgery, a nurse will say: 'Kommen Sie bitte nüchtern, Sie müssen vorher fasten.' (Please come on an empty stomach, you must fast beforehand.)

Der Patient muss vor der Operation mindestens zwölf Stunden fasten.

You will also encounter the word in compound nouns. A 'Fastenkur' is a fasting retreat, often held in the beautiful German countryside or at the Baltic Sea. 'Fastensuppe' is a thin, clear soup allowed during fasting periods. In literature and history, the 'Fastenpredigt' (fasting sermon) was a traditional way for priests to criticize societal morals during Lent. Today, this tradition lives on in a satirical form at the 'Nockherberg' in Munich, where politicians are 'levied' (criticized) during the strong beer season—ironically, a beer brewed by monks to sustain them while they were fasting!

Modern Expressions: 'Digitales Fasten' or 'Smartphone-Fasten' is a hot topic for people trying to reduce their screen time.

Am Wochenende werde ich mal digital fasten und mein Handy ausschalten.

Viele Religionen nutzen das Fasten als Weg zur Erleuchtung.

Ich kann nicht fasten, wenn ich viel Sport treibe.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with fasten is a false friend error. In English, 'to fasten' means to tie or secure something (like a seatbelt or a button). In German, this is **never** the case. If you tell a German 'Ich faste meinen Sicherheitsgurt', they will think you are trying to starve your seatbelt! The correct German word for securing something is 'anschnallen' or 'befestigen'.

False Friend: Fasten vs. Befestigen: English 'Fasten' = German 'Befestigen' / 'Festmachen'. German 'Fasten' = English 'To Fast' (not eating).

Falsch: Ich muss meine Schuhe fasten. (Wrong: I must fast my shoes.)

Another common error is confusing 'fasten' with the adverb 'fast', which means 'almost'. Because they look identical, beginners often get tripped up in reading. If you see 'Ich habe fast gegessen', it means 'I almost ate' (but didn't). If you see 'Ich habe gefastet', it means 'I fasted' (consciously didn't eat). Pay close attention to whether the word is acting as a verb at the end of the sentence or an adverb modifying another word.

Hungern vs. Fasten: 'Hungern' is usually involuntary or negative (starvation). 'Fasten' is a voluntary, often positive choice. Don't say 'Ich faste', if you are just poor and can't afford food; that would be 'Ich hungre'.

Richtig: Ich faste freiwillig für meine Gesundheit.

Grammatically, some learners try to use 'fasten' with a direct object, like 'Ich faste Schokolade'. While people will understand you, it is more idiomatic to use the noun 'Fasten' or the verb 'verzichten'. Correct: 'Ich mache Schokoladen-Fasten' or 'Ich verzichte auf Schokolade'. Fasten on its own usually implies a general abstention from food or a specific religious practice.

Preposition Errors: Learners often use the wrong preposition for the duration. Use 'seit' for 'since' and 'für' or no preposition for the total duration. 'Ich faste seit Montag' (I've been fasting since Monday) vs. 'Ich habe drei Tage lang gefastet' (I fasted for three days).

Falsch: Ich faste für drei Tage. (Better: Ich faste drei Tage lang.)

Er fastete, bis er sich besser fühlte.

Wir haben gestern nicht gefastet, sondern gefeiert.

While fasten is the most direct word for abstaining from food, German offers several nuances depending on the context. Understanding these alternatives will make your German sound more natural and precise. The most common alternative is 'verzichten', which means 'to do without' or 'to forgo'.

Verzichten auf (+ Akk): This is used for specific things. You 'fasten' (general), but you 'verzichten auf Fleisch' (forgo meat). It implies a sacrifice.
Abstinenz üben: A more formal or medical term meaning 'to practice abstinence'. Often used with alcohol or drugs.

Anstatt zu fasten, verzichte ich dieses Jahr nur auf Süßigkeiten.

Then there is 'hungern'. As mentioned before, this is usually involuntary. However, it can be used figuratively. 'Nach Erfolg hungern' (to hunger for success). In a medical context, if you aren't allowed to eat before a surgery, a doctor might say you must stay 'nüchtern' (sober/on an empty stomach). While 'nüchtern' usually means 'not drunk', in a medical context, it means 'not having eaten'.

Darbendarben (Archaic): An old-fashioned word for suffering from want or living in poverty. You might see this in 19th-century literature.
Sich einschränken: Meaning 'to restrict oneself'. This is a softer version of fasting, often used for budgeting or mild dieting.

Ich muss mich beim Essen etwas einschränken, aber ich will nicht komplett fasten.

For those interested in the 'detox' aspect of fasting, the word 'entschlacken' is very common. It literally means 'to remove slag' (a byproduct of smelting metal), but in health contexts, it refers to removing 'toxins' from the body. You might 'fasten, um zu entschlacken'. Another related term is 'die Null-Diät', which is an extreme form of fasting where zero calories are consumed, usually frowned upon by modern doctors.

Kasteien (Religious/Extreme): To castigate or mortify oneself. This is very intense and usually refers to historical monks who fasted to the point of pain.

Man muss sich nicht kasteien, um gesund zu leben; moderates Fasten reicht völlig aus.

Das Fasten ist eine uralte Tradition, die heute wieder modern ist.

Wer fastet, lernt seinen Körper besser kennen.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Es wird empfohlen, vor der Untersuchung zu fasten."

Neutral

"Ich faste dieses Jahr vor Ostern."

Informal

"Ich mach' gerade Intervallfasten."

Child friendly

"In der Fastenzeit essen wir weniger Schokolade."

Slang

"Ich bin am Fasten, Alter!"

Fun Fact

The root of 'fasten' is the same as the word 'fest' (firm). Fasting originally meant 'to hold firm' to one's faith or discipline. It wasn't about the food, but about the strength of the will.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfastn̩/

US /ˈfæstən/

The stress is on the first syllable: FAS-ten.

Rhymes With

asten rasten tasten Lasten Kasten Masten pasten fast

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'st' as 'sht' (German 'st' at the start of a word is 'sht', but in the middle/end it is often 'st'). In 'fasten', it is 'st'.
Making the 'a' too long like in 'father'. It should be short.
Over-pronouncing the 'e' in 'en'. It's almost silent.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'fast' (almost). They sound identical.
Confusing with 'fisten' (a very different, vulgar word).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like the English word.

Writing 2/5

Regular verb conjugation makes it simple to write.

Speaking 3/5

The 'st' pronunciation can be tricky for some.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'fast' (almost) in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

essen trinken Hunger gesund Zeit

Learn Next

verzichten abnehmen nüchtern die Kur die Religion

Advanced

die Autophagie die Askese die Kasteiung das Fastenbrechen der Stoffwechsel

Grammar to Know

Weak Verb Conjugation

ich faste, du fastest, er/sie/es fastet

Perfekt with 'haben'

Ich habe drei Tage lang gefastet.

Nominalization of Verbs

Das Fasten (The fasting) ist gesund.

Um...zu Clauses

Er faste, um seinen Körper zu reinigen.

Genitive with 'während'

Während des Fastens sollte man viel trinken.

Examples by Level

Ich faste heute.

I am fasting today.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Fastest du auch?

Are you fasting too?

Question form, 2nd person singular.

Wir fasten zusammen.

We are fasting together.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Er fastet für einen Tag.

He fasts for one day.

Present tense with a time duration.

Sie fasten im Frühling.

They fast in spring.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Ich kann nicht fasten.

I cannot fast.

Modal verb 'können' + infinitive 'fasten'.

Warum fastest du?

Why are you fasting?

Interrogative sentence.

Mein Bruder fastet gern.

My brother likes to fast.

Adverb 'gern' used with the verb.

Letztes Jahr habe ich eine Woche gefastet.

Last year I fasted for a week.

Perfekt (past) tense.

In der Fastenzeit essen viele kein Fleisch.

During Lent, many eat no meat.

Noun 'Fastenzeit' used in a sentence.

Ich möchte morgen fasten.

I would like to fast tomorrow.

Modal verb 'möchte' + infinitive.

Hast du schon einmal gefastet?

Have you ever fasted?

Perfekt tense question.

Er fastet, um abzunehmen.

He fasts to lose weight.

Um...zu construction.

Wir haben früher oft gefastet.

We used to fast often.

Perfekt tense with 'oft'.

Meine Mutter fastet jeden Freitag.

My mother fasts every Friday.

Regular habit in present tense.

Es ist gesund, ab und zu zu fasten.

It is healthy to fast now and then.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Viele Menschen fasten aus religiösen Gründen.

Many people fast for religious reasons.

Prepositional phrase 'aus...Gründen'.

Obwohl es schwer ist, faste ich weiter.

Although it is hard, I continue to fast.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Intervallfasten ist momentan sehr beliebt.

Intermittent fasting is very popular at the moment.

Compound noun 'Intervallfasten'.

Bevor man fastet, sollte man einen Arzt fragen.

Before you fast, you should ask a doctor.

Temporal clause with 'bevor'.

Ich habe aufgehört zu fasten, weil ich Hunger hatte.

I stopped fasting because I was hungry.

Causal clause with 'weil'.

Das Fasten hilft mir, mich zu konzentrieren.

Fasting helps me to concentrate.

Noun 'Fasten' as the subject.

Während des Ramadans fasten Muslime weltweit.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast worldwide.

Genitive preposition 'während'.

Er hat sich entschieden, drei Tage zu fasten.

He decided to fast for three days.

Reflexive verb 'sich entscheiden' + zu-infinitive.

Heilfasten wird oft zur Entschlackung genutzt.

Therapeutic fasting is often used for detoxification.

Passive voice 'wird...genutzt'.

Wer fastet, verzichtet bewusst auf Genussmittel.

Whoever fasts, consciously goes without stimulants/luxury foods.

Relative clause starting with 'Wer'.

Die medizinische Wirkung des Fastens ist belegt.

The medical effect of fasting is proven.

Genitive case 'des Fastens'.

Es ist wichtig, das Fastenbrechen langsam anzugehen.

It is important to approach the breaking of the fast slowly.

Noun 'Fastenbrechen'.

Trotz des Hungers hielt sie das Fasten durch.

Despite the hunger, she persevered with the fast.

Genitive preposition 'trotz'.

Fasten kann den Stoffwechsel positiv beeinflussen.

Fasting can positively influence the metabolism.

Modal verb 'kann' + infinitive.

In der modernen Gesellschaft wird Fasten oft als Trend gesehen.

In modern society, fasting is often seen as a trend.

Passive voice.

Anstatt zu essen, entschied er sich fürs Fasten.

Instead of eating, he decided on fasting.

Anstatt...zu construction.

Das bewusste Fasten dient der geistigen Klärung.

Conscious fasting serves the purpose of mental clarification.

Dative object 'der geistigen Klärung'.

Durch das Fasten wird der Prozess der Autophagie angeregt.

Through fasting, the process of autophagy is stimulated.

Preposition 'Durch' + Accusative.

Fasten ist eine Form des Protests gegen den Überfluss.

Fasting is a form of protest against abundance.

Genitive 'des Protests'.

Manche Philosophen sahen im Fasten den Weg zur Weisheit.

Some philosophers saw the path to wisdom in fasting.

Prepositional object 'im Fasten'.

Die asketische Praxis des Fastens ist in vielen Kulturen verankert.

The ascetic practice of fasting is anchored in many cultures.

Adjective 'asketisch' modifying 'Praxis'.

Es bedarf großer Disziplin, über längere Zeit zu fasten.

It requires great discipline to fast over a longer period of time.

Verb 'bedürfen' with Genitive.

Inwiefern Fasten die Lebenserwartung erhöht, ist noch umstritten.

The extent to which fasting increases life expectancy is still controversial.

Indirect question with 'Inwiefern'.

Das Fasten als gesellschaftliches Phänomen verdient Beachtung.

Fasting as a social phenomenon deserves attention.

Noun 'Phänomen' in apposition.

Das Fasten fungiert hierbei als Katalysator für introspektive Prozesse.

Fasting functions here as a catalyst for introspective processes.

Verb 'fungieren als'.

Die physiologischen Implikationen des Fastens sind mannigfaltig.

The physiological implications of fasting are diverse.

Genitive plural 'der Implikationen'.

Kafka thematisiert in seiner Erzählung die existenzielle Not des Fastens.

Kafka addresses the existential distress of fasting in his story.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

Es ist die Dialektik zwischen Verzicht und Gewinn, die das Fasten ausmacht.

It is the dialectic between renunciation and gain that constitutes fasting.

Cleft sentence structure.

Ungeachtet der Strapazen hielten die Eremiten an ihrem Fasten fest.

Regardless of the hardships, the hermits held fast to their fasting.

Preposition 'Ungeachtet' + Genitive.

Das rituelle Fasten unterliegt strengen soziokulturellen Normen.

Ritual fasting is subject to strict socio-cultural norms.

Verb 'unterliegen' + Dative.

Die präventive Relevanz des Fastens wird in der Gerontologie intensiv beforscht.

The preventive relevance of fasting is intensively researched in gerontology.

Passive voice with 'beforscht'.

Man kann das Fasten als bewusste Dekonstruktion der Konsumgewohnheiten begreifen.

One can understand fasting as a conscious deconstruction of consumption habits.

Philosophical register.

Common Collocations

streng fasten

religiöses Fasten

Intervallfasten machen

eine Fastenkur machen

das Fasten brechen

Heilfasten nach Buchinger

vom Fasten befreit sein

digitales Fasten

Saftfasten

Fastenzeit

Common Phrases

Fasten und Beten

— A traditional combination of spiritual practices.

Die Gemeinde verbrachte die Woche mit Fasten und Beten.

7 Wochen Ohne

— A popular German campaign for fasting during Lent.

Machst du dieses Jahr bei '7 Wochen Ohne' mit?

Wasser und Brot

— Refers to the most basic form of fasting or prison food.

Er lebte drei Tage lang nur bei Wasser und Brot.

Aschermittwoch

— The day fasting traditionally begins in the Christian calendar.

Am Aschermittwoch ist alles vorbei.

Zuckerfasten

— Specifically giving up sugar.

Zuckerfasten ist gut für die Zähne.

Alkoholfasten

— Abstaining from alcohol for a period.

Nach Silvester machen viele Alkoholfasten.

Fastenfenster

— The time period during which one does not eat.

Mein Fastenfenster beginnt um 20 Uhr.

Fastenleiter

— A person who guides a group through a fasting cure.

Der Fastenleiter gab uns hilfreiche Tipps.

Fastenbrechen

— The meal that ends a day of fasting.

Das Fastenbrechen findet bei Sonnenuntergang statt.

Fastenspeise

— Special light food eaten during fasting periods.

Diese Suppe ist eine typische Fastenspeise.

Often Confused With

fasten vs fast

The adverb meaning 'almost'. 'Ich bin fast da' (I am almost there).

fasten vs fest

The adjective meaning 'firm' or 'solid'. 'Das Eis ist fest'.

fasten vs festmachen

To fasten or secure something. 'Mach die Leine fest'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Schmalhans ist Küchenmeister"

— An idiom meaning there is very little to eat (as if fasting).

In Kriegszeiten war Schmalhans Küchenmeister.

Old-fashioned

"Den Gürtel enger schnallen"

— To live more frugally or eat less due to lack of money.

Wir müssen diesen Monat den Gürtel enger schnallen.

Informal

"Sich etwas absparen"

— To save something by doing without (fasting from it).

Sie hat sich das neue Auto vom Munde abgespart.

Informal

"Am Hungertuch nagen"

— To be extremely poor and hungry.

Die Familie nagte am Hungertuch.

Idiomatic

"Nicht das Gelbe vom Ei sein"

— Not the best part (often used when fasting food is disappointing).

Diese Fastensuppe ist nicht gerade das Gelbe vom Ei.

Informal

"In Sack und Asche gehen"

— To show great penance (often involving fasting).

Er ging nach seinem Fehler in Sack und Asche.

Archaic

"Einen Kater haben"

— To have a hangover (often followed by involuntary fasting).

Ich habe einen Kater und kann nichts essen.

Slang

"Abwarten und Tee trinken"

— To wait and see (tea is often the only thing allowed while fasting).

Wir wissen noch nichts, also: Abwarten und Tee trinken.

Common

"Vom Fleisch fallen"

— To lose a lot of weight quickly (as if fasting too much).

Du bist ja ganz vom Fleisch gefallen!

Informal

"Sich die Radieschen von unten ansehen"

— To be dead (the ultimate fast).

Wenn er so weiterfastet, sieht er sich bald die Radieschen von unten an.

Humorous/Dark

Easily Confused

fasten vs anschnallen

English 'fasten' (seatbelt) is 'anschnallen'.

Fasten is only for not eating. Anschnallen is for safety belts.

Bitte schnallen Sie sich an!

fasten vs befestigen

English 'fasten' (attach) is 'befestigen'.

Befestigen means to physically attach something to something else.

Ich befestige das Bild an der Wand.

fasten vs hungern

Both involve not eating.

Hungern is often involuntary or negative; Fasten is voluntary and often positive.

Niemand sollte auf der Welt hungern müssen.

fasten vs verzichten

Both involve giving something up.

Verzichten needs a specific object (auf etwas verzichten). Fasten is general.

Ich verzichte auf Zucker.

fasten vs diäten

Both involve food restriction.

'Eine Diät machen' is for weight loss. 'Fasten' is more holistic or religious.

Er macht eine Diät für seine Hochzeit.

Sentence Patterns

Ich faste [Time].

Ich faste heute.

Ich habe [Duration] gefastet.

Ich habe zwei Tage gefastet.

Ich faste, weil [Reason].

Ich faste, weil ich gesund bleiben will.

Obwohl [Condition], faste ich.

Obwohl ich Hunger habe, faste ich.

Das Fasten dient dazu, [Purpose].

Das Fasten dient dazu, den Geist zu klären.

Es ist die Praxis des Fastens, die [Effect].

Es ist die Praxis des Fastens, die Disziplin fördert.

[Noun]-Fasten machen

Ich mache gerade Zucker-Fasten.

In der [Period] fasten.

In der Fastenzeit fasten viele Menschen.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common, especially in spring and among health-conscious groups.

Common Mistakes

Ich faste meinen Sicherheitsgurt. → Ich schnalle mich an.
You cannot 'fasten' a seatbelt in German using the verb 'fasten'. That's for food!
Ich bin fasten. → Ich faste.
In German, you don't use 'am + infinitive' as often as 'to be + -ing' in English. Just use the present tense.
Ich habe fast gegessen. → Ich habe gefastet.
'Fast' means almost. 'Gefastet' means you actually fasted. Huge difference!
Ich faste Fleisch. → Ich verzichte auf Fleisch.
'Fasten' is usually intransitive. If you name the food, use 'verzichten auf'.
Er faste für 40 Tage. → Er fastete 40 Tage lang.
Past tense of 'fasten' is 'fastete'. 'Faste' is 1st person present.

Tips

Regular Verb

Remember that 'fasten' is regular. No vowel changes! Ich faste, du fastest, er fastet.

False Friend Alert

Never use 'fasten' for seatbelts or buttons. Use 'anschnallen' or 'zumachen' instead.

Fastenzeit

In Germany, Lent is a big deal. Even non-religious people often 'fasten' from alcohol or sweets.

Intervallfasten

This is the most common way you will hear the word used today in a modern, secular context.

Short 'A'

Keep the 'a' short and crisp. Don't stretch it out like 'faaaasten'.

Nüchtern

In a medical context, if you've been 'fasting', you are 'nüchtern' (on an empty stomach).

Ramadan

When speaking with Muslim friends, 'fasten' is the correct and respectful verb to use.

Fasten your belt

Associate fasting with a tighter belt! It helps you remember the word means not eating.

Office Talk

If someone offers you food and you are fasting, say: 'Nein danke, ich faste gerade'.

Hold Fast

Think of 'fasten' as 'holding fast' to your discipline. It makes the word feel stronger.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'holding FAST' to your diet. You are 'fastening' your stomach shut so no food gets in.

Visual Association

Imagine a padlock on a refrigerator. The padlock represents the 'fastening' (fasten) of your hunger.

Word Web

Fastenzeit Ramadan Gesundheit Verzicht Hunger Disziplin Reinigung Körper

Challenge

Try to use 'fasten' in a sentence describing a non-food item you want to give up (like 'Smartphone-Fasten').

Word Origin

Derived from the Old High German word 'fastēn', which meant to hold, keep, or observe a rule.

Original meaning: To hold fast to a religious observance or rule.

Germanic (related to English 'fast', Dutch 'vasten', Old Norse 'fasta').

Cultural Context

When discussing fasting, be sensitive to those with eating disorders or those who 'hungern' (starve) involuntarily due to poverty.

In English-speaking countries, fasting is often associated primarily with weight loss or extreme religion. In Germany, it has a more mainstream medical and cultural acceptance.

Franz Kafka's short story 'Ein Hungerkünstler' (A Hunger Artist). The 'Nockherberg' Starkbieranstich where 'Fastenpredigten' are held. The '7 Wochen Ohne' campaign by the Protestant Church.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Religious (Lent/Ramadan)

Wann fängt die Fastenzeit an?
Ich faste aus religiösen Gründen.
Das Fastenbrechen ist um 20 Uhr.
Fastest du dieses Jahr?

Health & Diet

Ich mache Intervallfasten.
Fasten ist gut für den Körper.
Ich mache eine Fastenkur.
Wie lange fastest du schon?

Medical

Sie müssen vor der OP fasten.
Kommen Sie bitte nüchtern.
Darf ich beim Fasten Wasser trinken?
Wie viele Stunden muss ich fasten?

Digital/Modern

Ich mache Digitalfasten.
Mal ein Wochenende ohne Handy fasten.
Social-Media-Fasten tut gut.
Wir fasten heute Fernsehen.

Philosophical

Fasten reinigt die Seele.
Verzicht durch Fasten.
Die Kraft des Fastens.
Fasten als Protest.

Conversation Starters

"Hast du schon mal Intervallfasten ausprobiert?"

"Was hältst du vom Fasten aus religiösen Gründen?"

"Könntest du eine ganze Woche lang fasten?"

"Glaubst du, dass Fasten wirklich gesund ist?"

"Worauf würdest du in der Fastenzeit am ehesten verzichten?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über deine Erfahrungen mit dem Fasten. Hast du es schon mal versucht?

Warum ist Fasten in so vielen Kulturen wichtig? Erkläre deine Meinung.

Stell dir vor, du müsstest einen Monat lang auf dein Handy 'fasten'. Wie würde das dein Leben verändern?

Beschreibe den Unterschied zwischen Fasten und Hungern aus deiner Sicht.

Welche Vorteile hat das Fasten für die Gesundheit laut aktueller Trends?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a weak (regular) verb. The forms are fasten, fastete, hat gefastet. It follows the standard pattern for German verbs ending in -en.

No! That is a common mistake for English speakers. For a seatbelt, use 'anschnallen'. 'Fasten' is only for abstaining from food.

It is intermittent fasting, a popular health trend where you only eat during a specific window of time each day, like the 16:8 method.

No. The word for 'quick' or 'fast' is 'schnell'. The word 'fast' in German means 'almost'.

The main 'Fastenzeit' (Lent) is the 40-day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.

It's better to say 'Ich verzichte auf Schokolade' or 'Ich mache Schokoladen-Fasten'. 'Fasten' is usually used intransitively (without an object).

Yes, very. Both for religious reasons and as a part of the 'Wellness' and 'Heilfasten' culture.

It is therapeutic fasting, often done under medical supervision to treat illnesses or detox the body.

You say 'das Fasten brechen'. The meal itself is called 'das Fastenbrechen'.

'Fasten' is a choice (voluntary). 'Hungern' is usually forced by circumstances (involuntary) or describes the physical sensation of hunger.