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.
to wear out
To lose impact or originality because something has been repeated or used too often. An idea, joke, or effect becomes boring or ineffective through constant repetition.
Der Spezialeffekt hat sich schnell abgenutzt, weil er in zu vielen Filmen vorkam.
The special effect wore out quickly because it appeared in too many films.
'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 apply / assign
Both words can describe clothing becoming worse through frequent wear. “Auftragen” emphasizes wearing a garment until it becomes worn out and unattractive. “Abnutzen” refers more generally to a loss of quality through use or friction.
Das häufige Tragen nutzte die Jacke an den Ärmeln langsam ab.
Frequent wear gradually wore out the jacket at the sleeves.
Er trug seine Lieblingsjacke auf, bis der Stoff an den Ärmeln dünn und unansehnlich war.
He wore out his favorite jacket until the fabric on the sleeves was thin and unattractive.
