wear
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wear
The gradual deterioration or wearing down of an object through regular use. Material is slowly worn away or damaged in the process.
Die Bremsbeläge am Fahrrad zeigten deutliche Spuren von Abnutzung.
The brake pads on the bicycle showed clear signs of wear.
overuse
The process by which a term, a joke, or a method loses its effect, originality, or power through being used too often.
Durch die ständige Wiederholung in der Werbung kam es zu einer schnellen Abnutzung des Slogans.
Because of the constant repetition in advertising, the slogan quickly became worn out.
The noun 'die Abnutzung' (wear) is derived directly from the separable verb 'abnutzen' (to wear down). This verb is made up of 'ab-' (which indicates a process of taking away or reducing) and 'nutzen' (to use). So it describes the result when something is used for a long time.
Durch die ständige Reibung nutzt sich das Material schnell ab.
Because of the constant friction, the material wears down quickly.
In connection with material wear, 'Abnutzung' (wear) is often combined with adjectives such as 'stark' (heavy), 'gering' (slight), or 'normal' (normal). A common phrase is also 'Spuren von Abnutzung zeigen' (to show signs of wear).
Die Reifen zeigen bereits eine starke Abnutzung.
The tires already show heavy wear.
To name the cause of the wear, the preposition 'durch' (through/by) followed by a noun in the accusative is used very often. This construction explains what caused the wear.
Die Abnutzung der Gelenke entsteht oft durch jahrelange Belastung.
Wear in the joints often develops through years of strain.
You can tell from the context whether the material or figurative meaning is intended. If 'Abnutzung' (wear) refers to physical objects such as car parts or clothing, it is about wear and tear. If it refers to abstract things such as words, jokes, or ideas, it is about the loss of impact.
Die ständige Wiederholung des Werbespots führte zu seiner schnellen Abnutzung.
The constant repetition of the commercial led to it quickly becoming worn out.
wear
Verschleiß and Abnutzung can both refer to the gradual deterioration of an object through use. Verschleiß sounds more technical and often indicates damage that affects the object's function, while Abnutzung describes the general process. Use Verschleiß for machines and components, and Abnutzung for a general observation.
Die Abnutzung der Fahrradkette ist nach vielen Fahrten deutlich sichtbar.
The wear on the bicycle chain is clearly visible after so many rides.
Der Verschleiß der Fahrradkette beeinträchtigt inzwischen ihre Funktion.
The wear on the bicycle chain is now affecting its function.
