der
Abstand
📏 What does "der Abstand" mean?
Der Abstand (noun, masculine) generally describes a distance or an interval/gap between two or more points, objects, people, or points in time.
- Spatial: The physical distance. Example: Der Abstand zwischen den Häusern ist gering. (The distance between the houses is small.)
- Temporal: A period of time between events. Example: Wir treffen uns in regelmäßigen Abständen. (We meet at regular intervals.)
- Figurative/Social: Emotional distance or respect. Example: Er hält Abstand zu Fremden. (He keeps his distance from strangers.)
- Renunciation/Refraining: Giving up or refraining from something (often plural or in specific phrases). Example: Abstand von einem Kauf nehmen (to refrain from making a purchase).
⚠️ There is only the masculine article der for "Abstand".
Grammar Insights for "der Abstand" 🧐
"Abstand" is a masculine noun. It is declined as follows:
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Abstand |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Abstand(e)s |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Abstand(e) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Abstand |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Abstände |
| Genitive | der | Abstände |
| Dative | den | Abständen |
| Accusative | die | Abstände |
Example Sentences
- Der Abstand zwischen den Stühlen muss 1,5 Meter betragen. (The distance between the chairs must be 1.5 meters. - Nominative Singular)
- Wegen des großen Abstandes konnten wir uns nicht hören. (Because of the large distance, we couldn't hear each other. - Genitive Singular)
- Halte bitte mehr Abstand! (Please keep more distance! - Accusative Singular)
- Sie trafen sich in regelmäßigen Abständen. (They met at regular intervals. - Dative Plural)
- Die Abstände zwischen den Läufern wurden größer. (The gaps between the runners grew larger. - Nominative Plural)
Usage Notes: When and How to Use "Abstand"
- Physical Distance: Very common for describing distances. "Bitte halten Sie einen Sicherheitsabstand." (Please maintain a safe distance.)
- Temporal Intervals: Often used with adjectives like "kurz" (short), "lang" (long), "regelmäßig" (regular). "In kurzen Abständen hörte man Schüsse." (Shots were heard at short intervals.)
- Social Distance: To express respect, caution, or coolness. "Sie wahrte stets einen höflichen Abstand." (She always maintained a polite distance.)
- Renunciation: In the phrase "Abstand nehmen von etwas" it means to give something up or refrain from doing something. "Er nahm Abstand von seinem Plan." (He abandoned his plan.)
- Gap/Margin: Can also denote a difference in rank, performance, or quality. "Sie gewann das Rennen mit großem Abstand." (She won the race by a large margin.)
Comparison: "Entfernung" is often synonymous for spatial distance, but "Abstand" can be used more broadly (temporal, social). "Lücke" (gap) emphasizes something missing in a sequence or continuum.
Memory Aids for "der Abstand" 🤔
Article Mnemonic: Think of DER man keeping his distance. (DER Abstand)
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone standing far ab (off/away) from you – that's the Ab-stand (distance).
Similar & Opposite: Synonyms & Antonyms 🔁
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Distanz: Very similar, often interchangeable (spatial, social).
- Entfernung: Mainly spatial distance.
- Zwischenraum: (Intermediate space) Emphasizes the empty space in between.
- Lücke: (Gap) More like an interruption in a series or area.
- Intervall: Mainly temporal or musical interval.
- Verzicht: (Renunciation) Only for the meaning "to refrain from".
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Nähe: (Closeness, proximity) The opposite of spatial or social distance.
- Annäherung: (Approach) The process of reducing distance.
- Berührung / Kontakt: (Touch / Contact) No distance present.
- Verbindung: (Connection) Opposite of separation/distance.
- Festhalten (an etwas): (Holding on to something) Opposite of "Abstand nehmen von".
Caution: "Anstand" sounds similar but means decency or propriety. Don't confuse them!
A Little Joke 😄
Fragt der Physiklehrer: "Was ist der sicherste Abstand zwischen zwei Magneten?"
Schüler: "Kommt drauf an, wie stark sie sich anziehen – oder abstoßen!"
Translation:
The physics teacher asks: "What is the safest distance between two magnets?"
Student: "Depends on how strongly they attract – or repel each other!"
Poem about Distance 📜
Der Abstand, mal groß, mal klein,
trennt uns, lässt uns einsam sein.
Doch manchmal braucht die Seele Ruh,
ein Stückchen Abstand – ich und du.
Ob Meilen fern, ob Zeit verrinnt,
der Abstand misst, was wichtig sind.
Translation:
The distance, sometimes big, sometimes small,
separates us, lets us be lonely.
But sometimes the soul needs peace,
a little bit of distance – me and you.
Whether miles away, or time passes by,
the distance measures what is important.
Who or What Am I? A Riddle 🤔
Ich kann messen, wie weit Dinge sind,
manchmal wachse ich geschwind.
Ich liege zwischen dir und mir,
manchmal brauchst du mich, glaub mir!
Man kann mich halten, groß und klein,
was mag ich wohl sein?
Translation:
I can measure how far things are,
sometimes I grow quickly.
I lie between you and me,
sometimes you need me, believe me!
You can keep me, big and small,
what might I be?
Solution: der Abstand (the distance)
More Tidbits 🤓
Word Composition:
The word "Abstand" is composed of:
- ab-: A prefix indicating separation, removal, or origin (e.g., abfahren - to depart, abnehmen - to decrease/remove).
- Stand: From the verb "stehen" (to stand). Refers to a position or state.
Together, it suggests a "separated position" or the distance between positions.
Trivia: The term "sozialer Abstand" (social distancing) became known worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and is a direct application of one meaning of "Abstand".
Summary: is it der, die or das Abstand?
The noun "Abstand" is always masculine. The correct article is der Abstand. The plural is die Abstände.