01
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
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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
'überwinden' and 'abschütteln' can both mean that you get rid of an unpleasant feeling or a bad state. 'überwinden' often sounds more serious and deeper: you overcome fear, grief, or a major difficulty. 'abschütteln' sounds more as if you are pushing away something annoying, for example a bad mood, tiredness, or a mild cold. Learners may confuse the words because both express the end of something unpleasant. When it is about an important inner hurdle, 'überwinden' is more natural. When it is about something bothersome that you want to get rid of, 'abschütteln' often fits.
abschütteln
Nach dem Spaziergang hat Paul seine schlechte Laune endlich abgeschüttelt.
After the walk, Paul finally shook off his bad mood.
überwinden
Heute versucht Frau Hofmann, ihre Angst vor dem freien Sprechen zu überwinden.
Today Ms. Hofmann is trying to overcome her fear of speaking freely.
In real life
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