01
abfüllen
to bottle
To fill a liquid from a large container into smaller vessels such as bottles, jars, or canisters.
example
Der Winzer füllt den neuen Wein in Flaschen ab.
The winemaker bottles the new wine.
abfüllen
to bottle / to get drunk
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abfüllen' (to bottle / to get someone drunk) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er füllt den selbstgemachten Saft in kleine Flaschen ab.
He bottles the homemade juice in small bottles.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: if you 'abfüllt' (bottle) a liquid, e.g. wine or juice, the literal meaning is intended. If you 'abfüllt' (get drunk) a person, it colloquially means to make them drunk.
EXAMPLE
Der Imker füllt den Honig in Gläser ab.
The beekeeper fills the honey into jars.
Sentence structure with preposition
When you name the container into which something is filled, you use the preposition 'in' followed by the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Kosmetikfirma füllt die Creme in kleine Dosen ab.
The cosmetics company fills the cream into small tins.
Register and usage
The meaning 'jemanden betrunken machen' (to get someone drunk) is purely colloquial. It is often used in a warning or disapproving tone.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich auf dem Junggesellenabschied komplett abfüllen lassen.
He let himself get completely drunk at the bachelor party.
Compare with
abfüllen vs füllen
to fill
'füllen' and 'abfüllen' both mean that something goes into a container. 'füllen' is the general word: you can fill a glass, a bag, a room, or a mold. 'abfüllen' is more specific. It usually means that a liquid goes from a larger container into smaller containers, for example into bottles. Learners may confuse the words because both contain 'füllen'. If something is simply being made full, 'füllen' fits. If it is about transferring something into bottles or similar containers, 'abfüllen' fits better.
abfüllen
Nach der Ernte füllen wir den Apfelsaft in kleine Flaschen ab.
After the harvest, we bottle the apple juice in small bottles.
füllen
Kannst du bitte die Wasserflasche für die Reise füllen?
Can you please fill the water bottle for the trip?
In real life
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