Verb #571 ab verb

ableiten

hat abgeleitet · leitete ab
Based on: ab, leiten
1.

to deduce, to derive, derivate

("ableiten von/aus" - the core idea is that you take something as a starting point and then "lead" off to something new from there. )
Examples
  • Aus deinem Gesicht leite ich eine gewisse Unzufriedenheit ab.
  • From your face, I deduce a certain dissatisfaction.
  • Practice pronunciation - click once to start recording and again to stop
2.

to "lead away"

Opposite: zuleiten
(For electricity or water. )
Examples
  • Der Blitzableiter leitet den Strom sicher ab.
  • The lightning rod safely leads the electricity away.

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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

The Meaning of “leiten”

"leiten" means "to lead". But what's the difference to "führen"? And what does leading have to do with tap water? This and more is what we'll find out today.

Vocab: leiten, die Leitung, der Leiter, die Einleitung, umleiten, ableiten, begleiten,

Read article →

Questions and Comments

Do you have questions about the usage or meaning of “ableiten”? Just ask here and I’ll try to clear it up.

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2 Comments
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xv
xv

So regarding the second sense…. Is this more to do with a change of direction in flow (to divert) or could it simply be about flowing away from somewhere (like if you flush something down the toilet the waste is carried away)? Or both?

Can it also be used for traffic flows?

Also I’m guessing since you don’t mention it this isn’t your go-to verb for when i word is derrived from another??

Reply
Emanuel
Author
Emanuel
Reply to  xv

The focus of the second one is “guiding” away from an area you don’t want it to be at.
But flushing a toilet is a bit weird as there’s only one way there.

The main use is for lightning – Blitzableiter.
Could also be because it literally guides it down into the ground.

But you’ll also find a lot of stuff when you Google “Wasser ableiten”.

Reply

How many meanings does the German word 'ableiten' have?

ableiten has 2 distinct meanings: 1. to deduce, to derive, derivate , 2. to "lead away" .

What is the past tense of 'ableiten'?

hat abgeleitet / leitete ab

What is 'ableiten' related to?

The word 'ableiten' is related to ab and leiten.

Where can I learn more about 'ableiten'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'ableiten':

The Meaning of “leiten”
"leiten" means "to lead". But what's the difference to "führen"? And what does leading have to do with tap water? This and more is what we'll find out today.
Vocab: leiten, die Leitung, der Leiter, die Einleitung, umleiten, ableiten, begleiten,
Read article