to shorten / take a shortcut
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to take a shortcut
To take a shorter route than the usual one in order to reach the destination faster.
Wenn wir durch den Park abkürzen, sparen wir zehn Minuten.
If we take a shortcut through the park, we'll save ten minutes.
'Abkürzen' (to shorten/take a shortcut) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses or infinitives with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Ich kürze hier immer ab, um Zeit zu sparen.
I always take a shortcut here to save time.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'ab-' and the verb 'kürzen' (to shorten). The prefix reinforces the idea of making something shorter or 'cutting off' a part—whether it is a route, a word, or a process.
Können wir die Besprechung nicht etwas abkürzen?
Can't we shorten the meeting a bit?
In the meaning 'to take a shorter route', 'abkürzen' (to take a shortcut) can also be used without an object. The route is often described more precisely with the preposition 'durch' (through).
Komm, wir kürzen durch den Wald ab!
Come on, let's take a shortcut through the forest!
When you abbreviate a word, the abbreviation itself is often introduced with the preposition 'mit' (with). The pattern is: Etwas wird mit [Abkürzung] abgekürzt (something is abbreviated with [abbreviation]).
Der Ausdruck „und so weiter“ wird oft mit „usw.“ abgekürzt.
The expression 'und so weiter' is often abbreviated as 'usw.'.
to extend
'verlängern' and 'abkürzen' are often opposites when it comes to time, length, or scope. 'verlängern' means that something becomes longer or remains valid for longer, for example a deadline, a contract, or a text. 'abkürzen' means that something is made shorter, for example a word, a text, or a conversation. Important: 'abkürzen' can also mean to take a shorter route; then it is not simply the opposite of 'verlängern'. As a practical guide: more time or more length means 'verlängern'; less text or less duration means 'abkürzen'.
Wegen des Wetters kürze ich den Spaziergang heute ab.
Because of the weather, I’m shortening the walk today.
Am Montag verlängert die Firma die Frist für die Bewerbung.
On Monday, the company is extending the application deadline.