01
die Abkürzung
shortcut
A route that is shorter than the usual or official route.
example
Wenn wir die Abkürzung durch den Park nehmen, sparen wir zehn Minuten.
If we take the shortcut through the park, we’ll save ten minutes.
die Abkürzung
shortcut / abbreviation
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Abkürzung' comes from the verb 'abkürzen' (to shorten). It describes the result of making something, such as a route or a word, 'kurz' (short).
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten den Weg abkürzen, um pünktlich zu sein.
We should shorten the route in order to be on time.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear: if it is about routes, roads, or paths, a 'shortcut' is meant. If it is about letters, words, or language, an 'abbreviation' is meant.
EXAMPLE
Diese Abkürzung durch den Wald ist nicht auf der Karte.
This shortcut through the forest is not on the map.
Typical collocation
When referring to a shorter route, the most common and natural verb combination is 'eine Abkürzung nehmen' (to take a shortcut).
EXAMPLE
Lass uns die Abkürzung über den Sportplatz nehmen.
Let’s take the shortcut across the sports field.
Sentence structure with 'für'
To explain what a word abbreviation stands for, you use the preposition 'für' (for). Typical formulations are '... ist die Abkürzung für ...' (... is the abbreviation for ...) or '... steht für ...' (... stands for ...).
EXAMPLE
„MfG“ ist eine gängige Abkürzung für „Mit freundlichen Grüßen“.
'MfG' is a common abbreviation for 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen' (kind regards).
Compare with
Abkürzung vs Umweg
detour
'die Abkürzung' and 'der Umweg' are opposites when it comes to routes. An 'Abkürzung' makes the route shorter than the normal route. An 'Umweg' makes the route longer or more complicated, often because of roadworks or because the direct route is closed. You can confuse the words because both describe a different route to the destination. The practical question is: Does the route save time or distance? Then it is an 'Abkürzung'. Does it take longer? Then it is an 'Umweg'.
Abkürzung
Omar kennt eine Abkürzung durch den Park, wenn der Bus zu spät kommt.
Omar knows a shortcut through the park when the bus is late.
Umweg
Wegen der Baustelle mussten wir auf dem Weg zur Arbeit einen langen Umweg fahren.
Because of the roadworks, we had to take a long detour on the way to work.
In real life
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