abdecken
cover
Etwas mit einem Tuch, Deckel oder anderem Material so bedecken, dass es geschützt, verborgen oder verschlossen ist.
The German verb "abdecken" consists of two parts:
- "decken" means "to cover" or "to roof".
- The prefix "ab-" implies "off" or "away".
Meaning:
"Abdecken" means "to cover up", "to lay a cover over", or figuratively "to cover (costs, topics, risks)". It can also mean "to clear off" or "to remove a cover".
Similar words:
- bedecken (to cover)
- zudecken (to cover up, usually with something like a blanket)
- decken (to cover)
Differences:
- "abdecken" often implies removing or covering completely (sometimes metaphorically), whereas
- "bedecken" and "zudecken" mainly mean to cover something in place.
- "abdecken" is common in financial or figurative contexts (covering costs, risks), where the others are less so.
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Examples
Die Plane deckt das Boot ab.verb
The tarp covers the boat.
Die Plane deckt den Pool ab.verb
The tarp covers the pool.
Er deckt das Motorrad ab, bevor es zu regnen beginnt.verb
He covers the motorcycle before it starts to rain.
Wir müssen den Grill schnell abdecken, bevor der Regen beginnt.verb
We have to cover the grill quickly before the rain starts.
Kinder können im Winter den Garten mit einer Plane abdecken.verb
Children can cover the garden with a tarp in winter.
Sonja muss heute früh ihren Tisch mit einer Tischdecke abdecken.verb
Sonja has to cover her table with a tablecloth early today.
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