abschütteln
to shake off
To remove something from one's body or from an object by shaking.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund kam aus dem See und schüttelte das Wasser aus seinem Fell ab.
The dog came out of the lake and shook the water out of its fur.
abschütteln
to shake off
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Meanings
abschütteln
to shake off
To get rid of a pursuer or annoying person by escaping them.
EXAMPLE
Es gelang ihm, die Paparazzi in den engen Gassen abzuschütteln.
He managed to shake off the paparazzi in the narrow alleys.
abschütteln
to shake off
To overcome and get rid of an unpleasant feeling, a thought, or a mild illness.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann das Gefühl nicht abschütteln, dass ich etwas Wichtiges vergessen habe.
I can't shake off the feeling that I've forgotten something important.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abschütteln' (to shake off) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' appears at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu' (to), the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er schüttelte den Schnee von seiner Jacke ab.
He shook the snow off his jacket.
Meaning of the prefix
The prefix 'ab-' expresses separation or removal. This idea connects all the meanings: you remove water (literally), a pursuer, or a feeling (figuratively).
EXAMPLE
Schüttle den Sand von deinen Schuhen ab, bevor du ins Haus kommst.
Shake the sand off your shoes before you come into the house.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'jemanden loswerden' (to get rid of someone), the objects are typically people or vehicles that are pursuing someone. Common combinations are: 'einen Verfolger abschütteln' (to shake off a pursuer), 'die Polizei abschütteln' (to shake off the police), or 'einen Verehrer abschütteln' (to shake off an admirer).
EXAMPLE
Der Detektiv konnte den Verdächtigen nicht abschütteln.
The detective couldn't shake off the suspect.
Abstract objects
When it is about feelings or thoughts, 'abschütteln' (to shake off) is used with abstract nouns. Typical examples are: 'ein Gefühl abschütteln' (to shake off a feeling), 'einen Gedanken abschütteln' (to shake off a thought), 'Zweifel abschütteln' (to shake off doubts), or 'eine Erkältung abschütteln' (to shake off a cold).
EXAMPLE
Sie versuchte, die traurigen Erinnerungen abzuschütteln.
She tried to shake off the sad memories.
Compare with
abschütteln vs überwinden
to overcome
When referring to an unpleasant feeling, both „überwinden“ and „abschütteln“ are possible. „Überwinden“ emphasizes actively dealing with a distressing feeling, while „abschütteln“ more often expresses getting rid of a temporary or milder state. „Überwinden“ is more suitable for deep distress, while „abschütteln“ is more appropriate for a brief low mood.
abschütteln
Nach dem Streit konnte sie ihre schlechte Laune schnell abschütteln.
After the argument, she was able to quickly shake off her bad mood.
überwinden
Nach dem Streit musste sie ihre tiefe Traurigkeit erst überwinden.
After the argument, she first had to overcome her deep sadness.
In real life
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