German word

abnehmen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈapˌneːmən/

Meaning

  • verblose weight

Example

Ich nehme ab.

I am losing weight.

Illustration for abnehmen (lose weight)

More examples

Im Sommer will sie ein Kilo abnehmen.

In summer, she wants to lose a kilo.

Core concept

A hand takes something away from its place, leaving less behind, whether an object, clothing, or body weight.

Common phrases

  • an Gewicht abnehmen

    lose weight

  • ein Kilo abnehmen

    lose a kilo

  • deutlich abnehmen

    lose weight significantly

Similar words

verlieren: To no longer have something or to have less of it.
abmagern: To grow thinner, often with a worn or unhealthy appearance.
zunehmen: To become heavier or greater in amount.

Definition in German

etwas entfernen oder ablegen; im Körperkontext an Gewicht verlieren

Word origin

The separable verb combines German ab- for movement away or down with nehmen, meaning take.

Usage tips

  • In the present tense, the prefix separates: Ich nehme ab, but the infinitive is abnehmen.

Other meanings

  • take offverb
  • decreaseverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Abnahmeweight lossnoun
  • abnehmenddecreasingadjective

Word lists with this word