sägen
saw
Definition & meaning
The verb sägen refers to the action of cutting or dividing a material (typically wood or metal) using a saw. This is achieved by moving a tool with a serrated blade back and forth or mechanically to create a kerf.
Beyond the literal mechanical action, the word is often used figuratively in the expression "an dem Ast sägen, auf dem man sitzt" (to saw off the branch one is sitting on), which means to undermine one's own position or ruin one's own prospects.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- Verb: sägen (weak verb)
- Principal parts: sägt (3rd person singular), sägte (past), hat gesägt (perfect)
- Categorization: Transitive (taking a direct object) or intransitive verb.
Origin: The word originates from the Old High German segan and the Middle High German segen. It is etymologically related to the Germanic noun Saga (saw), deriving from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to cut."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- zersägen (to saw something into pieces)
- durchsägen (to saw through something)
- trennen (to separate)
- schneiden (to cut)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er sägt Holz im Garten.verb
He saws wood in the garden.
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