A2 Formal Nature
„Der Mond nimmt ab."
The moon is on the wane.
What does „Der Mond nimmt ab." mean in German?
„Der Mond nimmt ab." means "The moon is on the wane.." Literally: "The moon takes off.."
Literal Translation
"The moon takes off."
Der The
Mond moon
nimmt takes
ab off
English Equivalent
"The moon is waning."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Separable verb 'abnehmen'
When is this idiom used?
Formal
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
„Wer A sagt, muß auch B sagen."
In for a penny, in for a pound.
„Er kommt ab und zu."
He comes now and then.
„Er ist das Abbild (von) seiner Mutter."
He is the very image of his mother.
„Ich kann heute nicht abkommen."
I can't get away (off) today.
„Die Uhr ist abgelaufen."
The clock has run down.
„Wie wird das ablaufen?"
How will this turn out?
