to abolish / get rid of
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to abolish
To officially declare a law, regulation, institution, or custom invalid and put it out of force.
Viele Menschen sind dafür, die obligatorische Zeitumstellung im Frühling und Herbst abzuschaffen.
Many people are in favor of abolishing the mandatory clock change in spring and autumn.
'Abschaffen' (to abolish/get rid of) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die Regierung schafft dieses alte Gesetz ab.
The government is abolishing this old law.
The meaning can be recognized well from the object or the usage. An abstract object (law, rule) points to the formal meaning 'to put out of force'. A concrete object (car, furniture) points to the colloquial meaning 'to get rid of'. The reflexive form 'sich abschaffen' always means 'to overwork oneself'.
Die Sklaverei wurde im 19. Jahrhundert abgeschafft.
Slavery was abolished in the 19th century.
In its formal meaning, 'abschaffen' is used for things that are ended by an official decision. Typical objects are: 'ein Gesetz' (a law), 'eine Regel' (a rule), 'die Todesstrafe' (the death penalty), 'Grenzkontrollen' (border controls), or 'ein Privileg' (a privilege).
Das Parlament diskutiert darüber, eine bestimmte Steuer abzuschaffen.
Parliament is discussing abolishing a certain tax.
The expression 'sich abschaffen' (to wear oneself out) is colloquial and reflexive. It means that one ruins oneself physically and mentally through too much work or stress. The person who overexerts themselves is both the subject and the reflexive object.
Pass auf dich auf und schaff dich nicht so ab!
Take care of yourself and don't wear yourself out like that!
to introduce / import
'einführen' and 'abschaffen' are opposites when it comes to rules, laws, institutions, or fixed habits. 'einführen' means that something new begins and is applied. 'abschaffen' means that something should no longer be valid or no longer be used. So the difference is the direction: with 'einführen', something is added; with 'abschaffen', something is ended.
Die Schule schafft die alte Kleiderregel ab.
The school is abolishing the old dress code.
Die Bibliothek führt eine neue Gebühr für verlorene Bücher ein.
The library is introducing a new fee for lost books.