Abgrund
/ˈapˌɡʁʊnt/masculine
The English word "abyss" is translated into German as Abgrund.
Abgrund refers to a bottomless or unfathomed depth. Similar to English, it can be used literally to describe a physical chasm or metaphorically to describe a profound state of ruin or a deep psychological state.
Meaning: bottomless or unfathomed depth (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix ab (off/away/down) and Grund (ground/bottom/reason).
How does it change in a sentence?
Abgrund is a masculine noun. Because it is masculine, it changes to den Abgrund when it is the direct object of a verb, such as in the phrase for falling into something. The genitive form, meaning "of the abyss", is des Abgrunds or des Abgrundes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapˌɡʁʊnt/
Did you know?
- In philosophical texts, such as those by Friedrich Nietzsche, Abgrund is often used to describe the terrifying realization of cosmic meaninglessness.
- The word Abgrund is a cognate with the Gothic word afgrundiþa, showing that the concept of a bottomless depth has existed in Germanic languages for nearly two millennia.
- The phrase am Abgrund stehen meaning 'to stand on the abyss' is a common German idiom for being on the verge of total disaster or failure.
Examples in context
- Er stürzte in den Abgrund.He fell into the abyss.This sentence shows how to use Abgrund when describing falling into something.Tatoeba #10041612 by Yorwba, translation #11249233 by sundown
- Nenn ihn einen Abgrund – wie tiefgründig er ist!Call him an abyss – how deep he is!This sentence uses Abgrund to show how a person can be described as being deep or profound.Tatoeba #1837081 by Aldain, translation #940363 by shanghainese
- Einen Schritt weiter, und du fällst in den Abgrund.One step further, and you will fall into an abyss.This sentence illustrates the use of Abgrund in a conditional warning.Tatoeba #705829 by Manfredo, translation #27217 by keegi
- Die Idee versinkt im Abgrund der UnwissenheitThe idea disappears into the abyss of ignorance
- Seine Fehler haben ihn in einen Abgrund gestürztHis mistakes have plunged him into an abyss
- Die Einsamkeit vergrößerte sich zu einer unergründlichen TiefeThe loneliness grew into an unfathomable abyss
- Die Kluft zwischen ihnen wurde mit der Zeit größerThe abyss between them grew over time
- Der Verlust eines geliebten Menschen hinterlässt oft eine unüberbrückbare Kluft.The loss of a loved one often leaves an insurmountable abyss.
- Der Sturz des Politikers in den Abgrund der Korruption erschütterte die gesamte Nation.The politician's fall into the abyss of corruption shook the entire nation.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are hiking near a steep cliff.
- JuliaPass auf, hier ist ein tiefer Abgrund.Be careful, there is a deep abyss here.
- MaximilianOh, das ist wirklich extrem tief.Oh, that is really extremely deep.
- JuliaWir sollten uns vom Abgrund fernhalten.We should stay away from the abyss.
- MaximilianDu hast recht, gehen wir zurück.You are right, let's go back.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “abyss” translations and entries Abgrund, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Abgrund, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
