to debit / write off
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to debit
To deduct or charge an amount of money from an account, usually as part of a bank transfer, direct debit, or card payment.
Die monatliche Rate für das Auto wird immer am Ersten des Monats abgebucht.
The monthly installment for the car is always debited on the first of the month.
to write off
Colloquial and figurative: to consider something finished, lost, or a failure and not pursue it any further.
Nach dieser Niederlage können wir die Meisterschaft wohl endgültig abbuchen.
After this defeat, we can probably write off the championship for good.
'Abbuchen' (to debit / write off) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' stands at the end in a main clause, while it remains connected to the verb in a subordinate clause. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between the prefix and the verb.
Die Bank bucht die Gebühr monatlich ab.
The bank debits the fee monthly.
When stating where the money is taken from, you use the preposition 'von' (from) with the dative. The verb is also very often used in the passive to describe the process.
Der Betrag wird von meinem Konto abgebucht.
The amount is debited from my account.
In a financial context, 'abbuchen' (to debit) is often combined with nouns such as 'Geld' (money), 'ein Betrag' (an amount), 'die Miete' (the rent), or 'eine Rechnung' (an invoice).
Jeden Monat wird die Miete automatisch von meinem Konto abgebucht.
Every month, the rent is automatically debited from my account.
The figurative meaning of considering something finished or lost is colloquial. It is used to express that one has given up on a goal or a hope.
Nach dem schlechten Start können wir das Projekt wohl abbuchen.
After the bad start, we can probably write off the project.
to burden / charge
Both verbs can describe a reduction in the balance of an account. With „belasten“, the account is the focus: You charge an account with an amount. With „abbuchen“, the amount is the focus: You debit it from an account.
Die Bank bucht die monatliche Gebühr von zehn Euro von meinem Konto ab.
The bank debits the monthly fee of ten euros from my account.
Die Bank belastet mein Konto mit der monatlichen Gebühr von zehn Euro.
The bank charges my account the monthly fee of ten euros.
