to copy / write off
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to copy
To copy a text without permission from someone else or from a source, especially in exams or homework (to plagiarize).
Wer beim Test abschreibt, bekommt die Note sechs.
Anyone who copies during the test gets a failing grade.
to copy down
To manually copy a text from a model or source (e.g., a board, a book) in order to transfer it.
Die Schüler mussten die Vokabeln von der Tafel abschreiben.
The students had to copy the vocabulary from the board.
to write off
To mentally give up on something or someone and consider them a loss because one no longer has any hope.
Nachdem das Fahrrad zum dritten Mal gestohlen wurde, habe ich es endgültig abgeschrieben.
After the bicycle was stolen for the third time, I finally wrote it off.
to depreciate
In accounting, to systematically reduce the value of a fixed asset over its useful life.
Das Unternehmen kann die neuen Computer über drei Jahre abschreiben.
The company can depreciate the new computers over three years.
'Abschreiben' (to copy / to write 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.
Er schreibt die Lösung von seinem Freund ab.
He copies the solution from his friend.
You can recognize the meaning of 'abschreiben' (to copy / to write off) from the context. In a school or university context, it is about copying. In connection with money and possessions, it means 'to consider something a loss'. In accounting, it has the special meaning 'to reduce the value'.
Der Lehrer hat gesehen, wie du abgeschrieben hast.
The teacher saw you copying.
When it is about unauthorized copying, the source is indicated with the preposition 'von' and the dative. Most of the time, the source is a person.
Sie hat ihre Hausaufgaben von ihrer besten Freundin abgeschrieben.
She copied her homework from her best friend.
In the meaning 'to give up on someone', the word is often used colloquially and figuratively. It expresses that you no longer have hope for a person or a relationship.
Nach dem Streit habe ich ihn als Freund abgeschrieben.
After the argument, I wrote him off as a friend.
The meaning 'to reduce the value of an asset' is a technical term from accounting and is used almost only in business contexts.
Ein neues Firmenauto muss steuerlich abgeschrieben werden.
A new company car has to be depreciated for tax purposes.
to disregard / to foresee
Both words can refer to unauthorized answers during an exam. „Absehen“ emphasizes obtaining the answers by looking at someone else’s work, while „abschreiben“ highlights the actual act of copying them in writing. Use „absehen“ when looking at someone else’s solution is important, and „abschreiben“ when copying is the focus.
Während der Prüfung schrieb er die Antworten seines Nachbarn ab.
During the exam, he copied his neighbor’s answers.
Während der Prüfung sah er die Antworten seines Nachbarn ab.
During the exam, he copied his neighbor’s answers by peeking at them.
