abfeuern
to fire
To fire a shot from a weapon or launch a rocket.
EXAMPLE
Der Jäger feuerte einen Schuss auf das Wild ab.
The hunter fired a shot at the game.
abfeuern
to fire
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Meanings
abfeuern
to fire off
To say something quickly and energetically, or to utter a series of questions or comments in quick succession.
EXAMPLE
Der Journalist feuerte eine Frage nach der anderen auf den Politiker ab.
The journalist fired one question after another at the politician.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abfeuern' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten feuerten eine Salve ab.
The soldiers fired a volley.
Context clues
You distinguish the literal and figurative meanings by the object. If shots, rockets, or arrows are mentioned, the literal meaning is intended. With questions, jokes, or criticism, it is the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Von dem Schiff wurde ein Notsignal abgefeuert.
A distress signal was fired from the ship.
Sentence structure and usage pattern
In the figurative meaning, the person receiving the questions or comments is often connected with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Reporter feuerten ihre Fragen auf den Minister ab.
The reporters fired their questions at the minister.
Compare with
abfeuern vs raushauen
to blurt out / to flog off / to splash out
Both verbs describe making a quick, direct statement. „Abfeuern“ particularly emphasizes a rapid succession of questions or comments, while the colloquial „raushauen“ highlights saying or revealing something spontaneously and often without thinking it through. „Abfeuern“ is more suitable for many statements, while „raushauen“ is more suitable for surprising information.
abfeuern
Die Reporterin feuerte im Interview eine Frage nach der anderen ab.
The reporter fired off one question after another during the interview.
raushauen
Die Reporterin haute im Interview spontan eine private Information raus.
The reporter spontaneously blurted out some private information during the interview.
In real life
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