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.
to bargain down
To obtain a price reduction for goods through negotiation. This meaning is less common and rather colloquial.
Auf dem Flohmarkt konnte ich dem Verkäufer noch fünf Euro abhandeln.
At the flea market, I was able to bargain another five euros off the seller.
'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 indicate that a text discusses a topic. Behandeln leaves open how extensively or completely this is done; abhandeln emphasizes a systematic, usually complete treatment. Use behandeln for a general presentation and abhandeln for a point that is to be dealt with and completed.
Das Kapitel handelt die Geschichte der Stadt systematisch und vollständig ab.
The chapter covers the history of the city systematically and completely.
Der Artikel behandelt die Geschichte der Stadt nur in einem kurzen Abschnitt.
The article deals with the history of the city in only a short section.
