German word

absteigen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈapˌʃtaɪ̯gn̩/

Meaning

  • verbget off

Example

Sie stieg gestern vom Pferd ab.

She got off the horse yesterday.

Illustration for absteigen (get off)

More examples

Am Gipfel steigen die Wanderer vorsichtig ab.

At the summit, the hikers carefully descend.

Core concept

Someone leaves a higher perch by stepping downward, a movement that also suggests leaving a vehicle, settling in a lodging, or dropping to a lower rank.

Common phrases

  • vom Pferd absteigen

    get off the horse

  • vom Fahrrad absteigen

    get off the bicycle

  • vom Berg absteigen

    descend the mountain

Similar words

aussteigen: Exit a bus, train, or similar vehicle.
einsteigen: Board a bus, train, or similar vehicle.
aufsteigen: Mount a horse or bicycle by stepping up into the seat.

Definition in German

Von einem höheren Ort oder aus einem Tier oder Fahrzeug nach unten gehen; intransitiv auch in einem Hotel übernachten; bildlich im Sport in eine niedrigere Liga geraten

Word origin

German absteigen is formed from ab- and steigen, with the basic sense 'go down'; figurative and specialized senses include staying at an inn and being relegated.

Usage tips

  • Use von with a mount or bicycle, as in vom Pferd absteigen, but aus with a bus or train, as in aus dem Zug aussteigen.

Other meanings

  • stay overnightverb
  • be relegatedverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Abstiegdescentnoun
  • absteigenddescendingadjective

Word lists with this word