to cover / bargain down
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to cover
To discuss, describe, or work through a topic or question systematically and usually completely, often in writing.
Das Thema wurde im zweiten Kapitel des Buches ausführlich abgehandelt.
The topic was covered in detail in the second chapter of the book.
'Abhandeln' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end in a main clause. In a subordinate clause, the verb stays together.
Wir handeln diesen Punkt später ab.
We will cover this point later.
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If the sentence is about a topic, a question, or a problem, it is about discussing or covering it. If it involves a person in the dative and an amount of money in the accusative, it refers to negotiating the price.
Der Professor handelt das Thema in nur einer Stunde ab.
The professor covers the topic in just one hour.
In the meaning 'ein Thema besprechen' (to discuss a topic), 'abhandeln' (to cover) tends to belong to formal written language or professional contexts such as meetings.
Die Tagesordnungspunkte müssen heute alle abgehandelt werden.
All agenda items must be covered today.
When it is about bargaining down a price, the person you are negotiating with is expressed in the dative. The price reduction is in the accusative.
Ich konnte ihr zum Glück noch etwas vom Preis abhandeln.
Luckily, I was still able to bargain a little off the price with her.
to treat / to deal with
'behandeln' and 'abhandeln' can both mean that you deal with a topic. 'behandeln' is more general and fits well with lessons, texts, conversations, or films. 'abhandeln' sounds more systematic and often more complete: a topic is discussed point by point or worked through in writing. Learners may confuse the words because both are possible with topics. As a simple guide: a teacher behandelt a topic in class; a long report handelt a topic ausführlich ab (covers a topic in detail).
Mehmet hat die wichtigsten Fragen für den Kurs in seinem Text abgehandelt.
Mehmet covered the most important questions for the course in his text.
Der Lehrer behandelt heute im Unterricht das Thema Gesundheit.
The teacher is dealing with the topic of health in class today.