01
abfackeln
to torch
Colloquial for intentionally and completely burning something down, often with destructive intent.
example
Aus Wut drohte er damit, die alte Hütte abzufackeln.
Out of anger, he threatened to torch the old hut.
abfackeln
to torch / flare off
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abfackeln' (to torch / flare off) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab' stands at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er fackelte aus Versehen die ganze Scheune ab.
He accidentally torched the whole barn.
Word structure
The word contains 'die Fackel' (the torch). The prefix 'ab-' here reinforces the idea of complete destruction by fire. So it means to burn something down completely.
EXAMPLE
Die Demonstranten haben eine Flagge abgefackelt.
The demonstrators torched a flag.
Colloquial style
In the meaning 'etwas niederbrennen' (to burn something down), 'abfackeln' (to torch) is a very colloquial word and often has a negative or aggressive connotation. In a neutral or formal context, other verbs would be used.
EXAMPLE
„Ich fackel dir die Bude ab!“, schrie er wütend ins Telefon.
'I'll torch your place!' he shouted angrily into the phone.
Industrial technical language
The meaning of controlled gas burning is technical language. You hear or read this term in connection with oil production, refineries, or the chemical industry.
EXAMPLE
Aus Sicherheitsgründen muss das austretende Gas kontrolliert abgefackelt werden.
For safety reasons, the escaping gas has to be flared off in a controlled way.
Compare with
abfackeln vs löschen
to extinguish / delete
'löschen' and 'abfackeln' are opposites when it comes to fire. 'abfackeln' means that something is burned down, often deliberately and destructively; the word sounds colloquial and strong. In industry, it can also mean the controlled burning of gases. 'löschen', on the other hand, means to put out a fire. So 'abfackeln' describes letting something burn or burning it down, while 'löschen' describes stopping the fire.
abfackeln
Die Täter wollten das alte Lagerhaus abfackeln.
The perpetrators wanted to torch the old warehouse.
löschen
Nach dem Grillen löschen wir die Glut mit einem Eimer Wasser.
After grilling, we put out the embers with a bucket of water.
In real life
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