01
abdrücken
to pull the trigger
To operate the trigger of a firearm in order to fire a shot.
example
Der Jäger zielte und drückte im richtigen Moment ab.
The hunter aimed and pulled the trigger at the right moment.
abdrücken
to pull the trigger / press / push off
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abdrücken' (to pull the trigger / press / push off) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab' goes to the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er drückte im entscheidenden Moment ab.
He pulled the trigger at the decisive moment.
Context clue: reflexive
When the verb is used reflexively as 'sich abdrücken', it means either to push off from a surface (e.g. when swimming) or that something leaves an imprint.
EXAMPLE
Beim Start drückt sich der Sprinter kraftvoll vom Startblock ab.
At the start, the sprinter pushes off powerfully from the starting block.
Colloquial use
In photography, 'abdrücken' (to press the shutter) is a very common, colloquial alternative to 'den Auslöser drücken' (to press the shutter button). You often hear it as a direct instruction.
EXAMPLE
Alle schauen in die Kamera. Perfekt, jetzt drück ab!
Everyone look at the camera. Perfect, now press the shutter!
Sentence structure with 'von'
When you push off from a surface, that surface is almost always introduced with the preposition 'von' and the dative. You push off 'von der Wand' (from the wall), 'vom Boden' (from the floor), or 'vom Beckenrand' (from the edge of the pool).
EXAMPLE
Um aus dem Liegestuhl aufzustehen, musste er sich mit den Händen von den Lehnen abdrücken.
To get up from the deck chair, he had to push off from the armrests with his hands.
Register and sentence structure
This meaning is colloquial and negative. It describes giving money reluctantly. The structure is: 'jemandem (Dativ) etwas (Akkusativ) abdrücken' (to cough something up to someone).
EXAMPLE
Jedes Jahr muss ich dem Staat einen Haufen Steuern abdrücken.
Every year I have to cough up a ton of taxes to the state.
Sentence structure with 'auf'
When something leaves an imprint, the pattern or object is the subject. The surface on which the imprint appears is often named with 'auf' and the dative.
EXAMPLE
Der Schlüssel hat sich in meiner Handfläche abgedrückt.
The key left an imprint in the palm of my hand.
Compare with
abdrücken vs prägen
to shape / mint
'prägen' and 'sich abdrücken' can both have to do with pressure and a visible mark. 'prägen' means that an image, pattern, or symbol is deliberately pressed or stamped into a surface, often permanently and with a tool. 'sich abdrücken' means that an object leaves a mark on a surface through pressure. This often happens incidentally and not as an intentional act of making something. Learners may confuse the words because both show a shape created by pressure. Remember: you actively 'prägst' something; something 'drückt sich' on a surface 'ab'.
abdrücken
Wenn der schwere Karton zu lange dort steht, drückt er sich im Teppich ab.
If the heavy box stands there too long, it will leave an imprint in the carpet.
prägen
Auf der Münze ist ein altes Wappen geprägt.
An old coat of arms is stamped on the coin.
In real life
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