to cover / clear
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to cover
To cover something with an object, such as a blanket or lid, in order to protect or hide it.
Bitte deck die Essensreste ab, bevor du sie in den Kühlschrank stellst.
Please cover the leftovers before you put them in the fridge.
'Abdecken' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab-' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Ich decke den Kuchen für später ab.
I'll cover the cake for later.
The exact meaning of 'abdecken' depends strongly on the object. You can 'abdecken' a pot (cover it), a table (clear it), a topic (cover/deal with it), or costs (cover/pay them).
Kannst du bitte den Tisch abdecken, während ich spüle?
Can you please clear the table while I wash the dishes?
The phrase 'den Tisch abdecken' means to remove the used dishes from the table after eating. It is an everyday household activity.
Nach dem Abendessen müssen die Kinder immer den Tisch abdecken.
After dinner, the children always have to clear the table.
In a figurative, abstract sense, 'abdecken' is used for topics, areas, or requirements. It then means 'umfassen' (to include) or 'behandeln' (to deal with/cover).
Der Kurs deckt die Grundlagen der Programmierung ab.
The course covers the basics of programming.
Careful: 'Abdecken' can have opposite meanings. You can 'Essen abdecken' (cover food, put a cover on it), but also 'ein Dach abdecken' (strip a roof, remove the tiles). The context makes the difference clear.
Decke bitte den Salat ab, damit er frisch bleibt.
Please cover the salad so it stays fresh.
to treat / to deal with
'behandeln' and 'abdecken' can both describe that a topic is included in terms of content. 'behandeln' emphasizes that you deal with a topic, talk about it, or write about it. 'abdecken' emphasizes the scope more: a course, report, or offering includes certain areas. It often says that nothing important is missing. The words are similar, but the perspective is different. 'behandeln' is more about the question: What is it about? 'abdecken' is more about the question: Which areas are included?
Der Kurs deckt Grammatik, Aussprache und Schreiben ab.
The course covers grammar, pronunciation, and writing.
In der Präsentation behandelt Sofia die Ursachen der hohen Mieten.
In the presentation, Sofia deals with the causes of high rents.