abschrecken
to deter
To stop someone from doing something by frightening them or pointing out negative consequences.
EXAMPLE
Die hohen Strafen sollen potenzielle Täter abschrecken.
The harsh penalties are meant to deter potential offenders.
abschrecken
to deter / to rinse
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Meanings
abschrecken
to rinse in cold water
To briefly hold freshly cooked foods, such as eggs or vegetables, under cold water in order to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Kochen solltest du die Eier sofort mit kaltem Wasser abschrecken.
After boiling them, you should immediately rinse the eggs in cold water.
abschrecken
to scare away
To frighten and drive away someone or an animal through a sudden action or noise.
EXAMPLE
Das laute Klatschen hat die Tauben vom Balkon abgeschreckt.
The loud clapping scared the pigeons away from the balcony.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abschrecken' (to deter/scare away/rinse in cold water) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end in main clauses. It reinforces the idea of sending away or keeping away.
EXAMPLE
Der laute Hund schreckt alle Besucher ab.
The loud dog scares all visitors away.
Sentence structure with 'von'
When you stop someone from doing something, you use the structure: 'jemanden (Akkusativ) von etwas (Dativ) abschrecken' (to deter someone from something). The preposition 'von' is fixed with the verb here.
EXAMPLE
Lass dich nicht von den Schwierigkeiten abschrecken!
Don't let the difficulties deter you!
Context: cooking
This meaning is used only in the context of food preparation. Typical foods that you 'abschreckt' (rinse in cold water) are eggs, pasta, or vegetables, in order to stop the cooking process.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du die Nudeln nach dem Kochen abschreckst, kleben sie nicht zusammen.
If you rinse the pasta in cold water after cooking it, it won't stick together.
Compare with
abschrecken vs abhalten
to prevent / hold
Both words can express that someone does not do something. „Abhalten“ is more general and can happen through advice or an obstacle. „Abschrecken“ is used when fear or the expectation of negative consequences keeps someone from taking the action.
abschrecken
Die Warnung vor einer hohen Geldstrafe schreckte uns von dem Versuch ab.
The warning about a hefty fine deterred us from making the attempt.
abhalten
Der Hinweis auf die lange Wartezeit hielt uns von einem Besuch ab.
The long wait mentioned in the notice put us off visiting.
In real life
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