01
abschlagen
to refuse
To reject or turn down a request, offer, or wish.
example
Er konnte ihr diese Bitte unmöglich abschlagen.
He simply could not refuse her this request.
abschlagen
to refuse / chop off
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abschlagen' (to refuse/chop off) is a separable verb. In main clauses, the prefix 'ab' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Ritter schlug dem Drachen den Kopf ab.
The knight chopped off the dragon's head.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'ab' (away, down/off) and 'schlagen' (to hit/strike). The literal meaning 'to strike something away' or 'to knock something down/off' is the basis for almost all uses, including the figurative meaning 'ablehnen' (to refuse/reject).
EXAMPLE
Bevor die Wand neu gestrichen wird, müssen wir die alte Farbe abschlagen.
Before the wall is repainted, we have to chip off the old paint.
Dative construction
When refusing a request, the person whose wish is being refused is often in the dative. The pattern is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) abschlagen (to refuse someone something).
EXAMPLE
Die Bank hat ihm den Kredit leider abgeschlagen.
Unfortunately, the bank refused him the loan.
Golf terminology
In this meaning, 'abschlagen' (to tee off) is a technical term from golf. It refers to the first stroke from a special starting point (the teeing area) and is used almost only in this context.
EXAMPLE
Die Spieler warten darauf, am nächsten Loch abschlagen zu können.
The players are waiting to be able to tee off at the next hole.
Context: combat & military
The meaning 'abwehren' (to repel/fend off) is typically used in a military or combat context. Common objects are 'der Angriff' (the attack), 'der Feind' (the enemy), or 'die Attacke' (the attack).
EXAMPLE
Die Armee konnte den nächtlichen Angriff erfolgreich abschlagen.
The army was able to successfully repel the nighttime attack.
Compare with
abschlagen vs annehmen
to accept / assume
'annehmen' and 'abschlagen' are opposites here. If you 'annimmt' an offer, request, or wish, you say yes to it. If you 'abschlägt' something, you turn it down. 'annehmen' sounds neutral and is very common. 'abschlagen' sounds somewhat more elevated or firm than simply 'ablehnen' (to reject), but it fits well with offers or requests. So the difference is clear: 'annehmen' means to agree or accept; 'abschlagen' means to reject or refuse.
abschlagen
Der Kunde schlägt das Angebot ab, weil es ihm zu teuer ist.
The customer turns down the offer because it is too expensive for him.
annehmen
Nach kurzer Überlegung nahm sie die Einladung zum Gespräch an.
After thinking it over briefly, she accepted the invitation to the meeting.
In real life
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