to wear out
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to wear out
To lose quality, substance, or function through frequent use or friction. Something becomes worse or breaks because it is used often.
Die Reifen des Autos nutzen sich mit der Zeit ab.
The car's tires wear out over time.
'Abnutzen' (to wear out) is a separable verb. In main clauses, the prefix 'ab' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Durch die ständige Benutzung nutzt sich der Teppich schnell ab.
Through constant use, the carpet wears out quickly.
The verb is very often used reflexively: 'sich abnutzen' (to wear out). This emphasizes that the process is happening to the object or idea itself.
Meine Lieblingsjeans nutzt sich langsam an den Knien ab.
My favorite jeans are slowly wearing out at the knees.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about physical objects such as clothing or car parts, the literal wear and tear is meant. If it is about abstract things such as jokes, ideas, or effects, the figurative meaning is meant.
Die Bremsbeläge am Fahrrad müssen erneuert werden, sie haben sich komplett abgenutzt.
The brake pads on the bicycle need to be replaced; they have completely worn out.
In the figurative meaning, 'sich abnutzen' (to wear out) describes something losing its effect through too much repetition. Typical examples are a joke, a word, an idea, or a stylistic device.
Diese Phrase wurde so oft in der Werbung benutzt, dass sie sich völlig abgenutzt hat.
This phrase was used so often in advertising that it has completely worn out.
to consume / use up
'verbrauchen' and 'abnutzen' both have to do with use. With 'verbrauchen', an amount becomes smaller or is eventually gone, for example electricity, money, or supplies. With 'abnutzen', something becomes worse, thinner, or less effective through frequent use, for example shoes, tires, or a joke. The words can be confused because both happen through use. The simple difference is: resources are 'verbrauchen'; things or effects are 'abnutzen'. 'sich verbrauchen' can also sound similar to 'sich abnutzen', but it more often means that someone or something loses strength or value through too much effort or use.
Die Bremsen nutzen sich schneller ab, wenn man oft in der Stadt fährt.
The brakes wear out faster if you often drive in the city.
Im Winter verbraucht die Heizung besonders viel Energie.
In winter, the heating system consumes a particularly large amount of energy.