German word

abverlangen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈapfɛɐ̯ˌlaŋən/

Meaning

  • verbdemand

Example

Die Situation verlangt ihm viel ab.

The situation demands a lot from him.

Illustration for abverlangen (demand)

More examples

Der Trainer kann den Spielern viel abverlangen.

The coach may demand a great deal from the players.

Core concept

A demanding task is pulled from a person, leaving effort and endurance heavily taxed.

Common phrases

  • jemandem etwas abverlangen

    demand something of someone

  • von jemandem viel abverlangen

    demand a great deal from someone

  • dem Team hohe Leistung abverlangen

    demand high performance from the team

Similar words

verlangen: Strongly demand something or insist that it be done.
fordern: Forcefully demand an action or claim a right.
zumuten: Impose a burden or demand that may be too much for someone.
erwarten: Expect a particular action, response, or attitude from someone.

Definition in German

Trennbares Verb; mit Nachdruck von jemandem Einsatz oder eine Leistung fordern, oft so, dass die Forderung zur Belastung wird.

Word origin

Abverlangen combines the separable prefix ab- with verlangen, forming a verb for taking a substantial effort or performance from someone.

Usage tips

  • As a separable verb, it appears as verlangt ... ab in a main clause, as in Die Situation verlangt ihm viel ab.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word