German Conversation · Level 152
29 words
German word
abheben
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈapˌheːbən/
Meaning
- verbwithdraw
Example
Ich hebe gerade Geld vom Geldautomaten ab.
I'm withdrawing money from the ATM right now.
More examples
Zum Monatsbeginn möchte sie Bargeld vom Konto abheben.
At the beginning of the month, she wants to withdraw cash from her account.
Core concept
One thing is lifted free from what holds or surrounds it, including a receiver, cash, an aircraft, or a distinctive feature.
Common phrases
Geld vom Konto abheben
withdraw money from the account
Bargeld am Geldautomaten abheben
withdraw cash from the ATM
am Bankschalter Bargeld abheben
withdraw cash at the bank counter
Similar words
abnehmen: Picking up a phone to answer a call.
abfliegen: Leaving the ground as an aircraft takes off.
aufheben: Picking up an object from the floor or a surface.
auffallen: Drawing attention by becoming noticeable.
Definition in German
Den Hörer nehmen oder etwas aus einem Ort herausnehmen; auch: ein Flugzeug löst sich vom Boden oder jemand hebt sich hervor.
Word origin
Abheben is formed from ab- and heben, "to lift," so its literal structure describes lifting something away and supports the meanings of taking up, withdrawing, taking off, and standing out.
Usage tips
- For answering a call, abheben can stand without an object, as in Sie hebt ab; this means picking up the phone rather than withdrawing anything.