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fortschaffen
/ˈfɔʁtˌʃafn̩/
to get rid of
Er wollte den alten Schrank endlich fortschaffen.
He finally wanted to get rid of the old wardrobe.
neutral
to remove, dispose of, or eliminate something unwanted or unnecessary.
Die Möbel müssen aus der Wohnung fortgeschafft werden.
The furniture has to be removed from the apartment.
Er schaffte die Beweise fort, bevor die Polizei eintraf.
He disposed of the evidence before the police arrived.
Often used in contexts involving physical removal or elimination of objects, waste, or evidence.
Collocations
etwas aus dem Weg schaffento get something out of the wayAbfall fortschaffento dispose of wasteBeweise fortschaffento dispose of evidence
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage in context
Use 'fortschaffen' when referring to the physical removal or disposal of something, especially if it involves effort or urgency. Avoid using it for abstract concepts like emotions or thoughts.
Gold Rule
Separable verb
'Fortschaffen' is a separable verb. In main clauses, the prefix 'fort-' moves to the end of the sentence. Example: 'Er schafft den Müll fort.' (He takes out the trash.)
Word Origin
Composed of 'fort-' (a prefix indicating removal or separation) and 'schaffen' (to create, manage, or do). Literally means 'to create away' or 'to manage away', evolving into the modern sense of removing or disposing.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in everyday language for getting rid of physical objects, waste, or unwanted items. Can also imply illegal disposal (e.g., hiding evidence).
Word Breakdown
fort-
away, off, indicating removal
prefixschaffen
to do, manage, create
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