abschicken
to send off
To send something by post, parcel service, or another delivery service.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss das Paket noch heute abschicken, damit es rechtzeitig ankommt.
I still have to send off the package today so that it arrives on time.
abschicken
to send off
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Meanings
abschicken
to send
To send a digital message, such as an email, a text message, or an online form.
EXAMPLE
Hast du deine Bewerbung schon online abgeschickt?
Have you already sent your application online?
abschicken
to send off
To send someone away to complete a task or assignment.
EXAMPLE
Die Chefin schickte ihren Assistenten ab, um die Dokumente zu holen.
The boss sent off her assistant to get the documents.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abschicken' (to send off) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu,' the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich schicke den Brief morgen ab.
I will send off the letter tomorrow.
Meaning of the prefix
The prefix 'ab-' here emphasizes sending something away from a place or the completion of an action. It makes the basic verb 'schicken' (to send) more precise.
EXAMPLE
Sobald die E-Mail abgeschickt ist, können wir nichts mehr ändern.
Once the email has been sent, we can't change anything anymore.
Typical collocations
When it is about sending something by post, 'abschicken' (to send off) is often used with objects like 'einen Brief' (a letter), 'ein Paket' (a package), 'eine Postkarte' (a postcard), or 'eine Warensendung' (a merchandise shipment).
EXAMPLE
Meine Oma hat mir ein Paket mit Keksen abgeschickt.
My grandma sent me a package with cookies.
Digital sending
In a digital context, typical combinations are 'eine E-Mail abschicken' (to send an email), 'eine Nachricht abschicken' (to send a message), or 'ein Online-Formular abschicken' (to send/submit an online form).
EXAMPLE
Prüfe deine Nachricht noch einmal, bevor du sie abschickst.
Check your message one more time before you send it.
Sending someone off
When a person is the object, 'abschicken' (to send off) usually means to send them away with an assignment. The construction is often: 'jemanden abschicken, um etwas zu tun' (to send someone off to do something).
EXAMPLE
Der Manager schickte einen Mitarbeiter ab, um die fehlenden Unterlagen zu besorgen.
The manager sent off an employee to get the missing documents.
Compare with
abschicken vs schicken
to send
Both verbs can refer to sending a letter or package. Abschicken particularly emphasizes the specific moment when something is handed over or sent on its way. Schicken is more general and can also refer to arranging the shipment or to the entire process.
abschicken
Ich schicke das Paket heute bei der Post ab.
I’m mailing the package today.
schicken
Ich schicke das Paket heute zur Kundin.
I’m sending the package to the customer today.
In real life
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