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abschlagen
/ˈapˌʃlaːɡn̩/
to chop off
Der Holzfäller schlug den Ast ab.
The lumberjack chopped off the branch.
neutral
to chop off or cut down (e.g., a branch, tree, or part of something)
Er schlug den Nagel mit dem Hammer ab.
He hammered the nail off.
Commonly used in contexts involving physical cutting or separation.
formal
to reject or refuse (e.g., an offer, proposal, or request)
Der Antrag wurde mit großer Mehrheit abgeschlagen.
The proposal was rejected by a large majority.
Often used in formal or legal contexts.
Finance
Finance
to reduce or deduct (e.g., a price or amount)
Der Händler schlug 10% vom Preis ab.
The dealer deducted 10% from the price.
Used in financial or commercial contexts.
technical
to strike or hit (e.g., in sports like tennis or golf)
Der Tennisspieler schlug den Ball hart ab.
The tennis player struck the ball hard.
Specific to sports terminology.
Collocations
den Nagel abschlagento hammer the nail offeinen Antrag abschlagento reject a proposalden Preis abschlagento reduce the price
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Avoid confusing 'abschlagen' with 'abschließen' (to lock, conclude) or 'abschneiden' (to cut off). The prefix 'ab-' indicates separation or removal.
Gold Rule
Physical vs. Abstract Meaning
'Abschlagen' primarily refers to physical separation (e.g., chopping) but can also mean rejection in abstract contexts. Context is key.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'abeschlagen', from Old High German 'ablāgan', combining 'ab-' (off) and 'slahan' (to strike, hit). Related to English 'slay' and Dutch 'slaan'.
Usage Notes
The verb 'abschlagen' can be transitive or intransitive depending on context. In physical contexts, it often implies forceful separation, while in abstract contexts (e.g., rejecting an offer), it implies finality.
Word Breakdown
ab-
off, away
prefixschlagen
to strike, hit
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