abhaben

Definition & meaning

The German verb abhaben has two primary meanings depending on the context:

1. To have a share of something: This is used when someone wants to participate in or receive a portion of something (usually food, money, or an experience).
2. To have something taken off: This is used when a piece of clothing or an object is no longer being worn or is removed from a position. For example, "Ich habe den Hut ab" (I have the hat off).

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is a separable verb. In a sentence, the prefix "ab-" moves to the end of the clause. For example: "Ich möchte auch etwas davon abhaben" (I want to have a share of that too).
• Word origin: It is a compound of the preposition "ab" (off, away) and the verb "haben" (to have). The literal translation suggests "to have away," which evolved into the sense of having a portion "removed" from a larger whole or having an item "off" one's body.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• For the sense of "having a share": teilhaben↗, mitkriegen↗, abbekommen↗.
• For the sense of "having removed": ausgezogen haben↗, abgelegt haben↗.

Antonyms:

• For the sense of "having a share": leer ausgehen↗ (to go away empty-handed).
• For the sense of "having removed": anhaben↗ (to have on/to wear).