der  Absprung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔapʃpʁʊŋ/

🚀 What does "der Absprung" mean?

The term der Absprung (masculine) has several meanings, often revolving around the idea of 'jumping away' or 'leaving':

• In Sports: The moment or action of pushing off from the ground or a surface to jump. Particularly relevant in Skispringen (ski jumping), Wasserspringen (diving), Leichtathletik (athletics - long jump, high jump), or Turnen (gymnastics). Example: Der Skispringer konzentrierte sich auf den perfekten Absprung. (The ski jumper focused on the perfect takeoff.)
• Figuratively: Leaving a situation, a group, a job, or a relationship. It often implies a conscious decision to break away or make a fresh start. Example: Nach jahrelanger Unzufriedenheit schaffte er endlich den Absprung aus dem alten Job. (After years of dissatisfaction, he finally managed to make the break from his old job.)
• Figuratively: The decisive moment or the trigger for a change or development. Example: Diese Reise war der Absprung in ein neues Leben. (This trip was the springboard/starting point for a new life.)

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the correct meaning.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Absprung

The word "Absprung" is a masculine noun. Its article is der.

Declension (Singular)

Declension (Plural)

The plural of "Absprung" is "Absprünge".

Example Sentences

1. Der Absprung des Athleten war technisch einwandfrei.
   (The athlete's takeoff was technically perfect.)
2. Wegen des perfekten Absprungs gewann sie die Goldmedaille.
   (Because of the perfect takeoff, she won the gold medal.)
3. Vor dem Absprung atmete er tief durch.
   (Before the jump/takeoff, he took a deep breath.)
4. Er trainierte täglich den Absprung.
   (He practiced the takeoff daily.)
5. Die Kampfrichter bewerteten alle Absprünge sehr streng.
   (The judges evaluated all the jumps/takeoffs very strictly.)
6. Sie überlegte lange, bevor sie den Absprung wagte und kündigte.
   (She thought for a long time before she dared to make the break and resigned.) (Figurative)

💡 How and When to Use "Absprung"?

Context is key! The use of "Absprung" strongly depends on the context:

• Sporting Context: Here, the meaning is usually literal. One talks about the Absprung vom Sprungbrett (takeoff from the diving board), Absprung von der Schanze (takeoff from the ski jump ramp), Absprung beim Weitsprung (takeoff in the long jump). It denotes the technical act of pushing off.
• Professional/Personal Context (Figurative): This refers to leaving a situation. The phrases "den Absprung schaffen" (to manage to leave/make the break) or "den Absprung wagen" (to dare to leave/make the break) are often used. This implies that leaving requires courage or effort. Example: "Er hat den Absprung in die Selbstständigkeit geschafft." (He managed to make the leap into self-employment.)
• General Context (Figurative): It can also describe a starting point or turning point. Example: "Das Praktikum war der Absprung für seine Karriere." (The internship was the springboard for his career.)

Comparison with similar words:

• Sprung: General term for jump. "Absprung" is specifically the moment of pushing off.
• Start: Often refers to the beginning of a race or activity, not necessarily the jump itself.
• Ausstieg: Similar to the figurative meaning of "Absprung", but often more neutral or negative (e.g., exiting a contract, phasing out nuclear power). "Absprung" can have a more positive connotation (seizing an opportunity).
• Aufbruch: Refers more to the general act of setting off or a new phase, less to the specific moment of detachment.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Absprung"

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Misleading Words

• Ansprung: Jumping towards or at something (rarely used).
• Vorsprung: A lead or advantage, head start.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Fallschirmspringer Schluss gemacht? Er sagte: "Ich brauche einfach den richtigen Absprung!" 😉

(Why did the skydiver break up? He said: "I just need the right takeoff/break!")

📜 Poem about the Absprung

Am Rande stehen, zögern, bangen,
(Standing at the edge, hesitating, fearing,)
die alte Welt hat dich gefangen.
(The old world has captured you.)
Doch tief im Innern ruft die Kraft,
(But deep inside, a strength calls,)
die neuen Mut und Hoffnung schafft.
(That creates new courage and hope.)

Ein Atemzug, die Muskeln fest,
(A breath, muscles tense,)
der Blick nach vorn, vergiss den Rest.
(Gaze forward, forget the rest.)
Der Moment ist da, kein Blick zurück,
(The moment is here, no look back,)
Der Absprung – ins neue Glück!
(The leap/break – into new fortune!)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin der Moment, bevor du fliegst,
(I am the moment before you fly,)
oder der Schritt, wenn du Altes besiegst.
(Or the step when you conquer the old.)
Im Sport entscheidend, im Leben ein Wagnis oft,
(Crucial in sports, often a risk in life,)
manchmal geplant, manchmal unverhofft.
(Sometimes planned, sometimes unexpected.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

Lösung / Solution: Der Absprung

Fascination Absprung: More Info

Word Composition

The word "Absprung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• ab- (prefix, often meaning 'away from', 'down from')
• Sprung (noun, from 'springen' - to jump)

This composition highlights the meaning: a jump away from something.

Cultural Significance

The term "Absprung" often carries a strong emotional component, especially in its figurative sense. It symbolizes courage, change, risk, and the hope for a new beginning. The decision "den Absprung zu wagen" (to dare to make the leap/break) is a common theme in literature and film.