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wegschaffen
/ˈvɛkˌʃafn̩/
get rid of
Wir müssen das alte Möbelstück endlich wegschaffen.
We finally have to get rid of the old furniture.
informal
to remove or dispose of something unwanted or unnecessary
Der Abfall muss weggeschafft werden, bevor die Müllabfuhr kommt.
The trash has to be removed before the garbage collection arrives.
Sie schaffte alle Beweise weg, um ihre Spuren zu verwischen.
She got rid of all the evidence to cover her tracks.
Often implies physical removal or disposal, but can also be used metaphorically (e.g., getting rid of bad habits).
neutral
to take someone or something away from a place
Der Lehrer schaffte den unruhigen Schüler aus dem Klassenzimmer weg.
The teacher took the disruptive student away from the classroom.
Can imply force or necessity, depending on context.
Collocations
etwas schnell wegschaffento get rid of something quicklyetwas illegal wegschaffento dispose of something illegally
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Separable prefix verb
'Wegschaffen' is a separable prefix verb. In main clauses, the prefix 'weg-' moves to the end of the sentence in the present tense: 'Ich schaffe es weg.' In subordinate clauses, it stays attached: 'Ich muss es wegschaffen.'
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'wegschaffen' for physical removal or disposal. For abstract concepts (e.g., emotions), prefer 'loswerden' or 'beseitigen'.
Word Origin
Compound of 'weg' (away) + 'schaffen' (to create/make), literally 'to make away with'. The verb 'schaffen' in this context derives from Middle High German 'schaffen' (to arrange, dispose), related to Old High German 'scephen'.
Usage Notes
Common in everyday speech but can sound colloquial in formal contexts. The prefix 'weg-' emphasizes the removal aspect, distinguishing it from plain 'schaffen' (to create).
Word Breakdown
weg-
away/off
prefixschaffen
to make/arrange
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