absenken
to lower
To bring or move something into a lower position; to let something down.
EXAMPLE
Der Kranführer senkte die schwere Last langsam ab.
The crane operator slowly lowered the heavy load.
absenken
to lower
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Meanings
sich absenken
to sink / subside
To sink to a lower level or tilt downward. This can refer to the ground, a structure, or also the water level.
EXAMPLE
Durch den Bergbau hat sich der Boden in dieser Region um mehrere Meter abgesenkt.
Because of mining, the ground in this region has subsided by several meters.
absenken
to lower / reduce
To reduce or decrease something, for example a temperature, a price, or a level.
EXAMPLE
Um Energie zu sparen, sollten wir die Raumtemperatur nachts absenken.
To save energy, we should lower the room temperature at night.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Absenken' (to lower) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab' comes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Pilot senkt das Flugzeug langsam ab.
The pilot slowly lowers the airplane.
Active vs. reflexive
The use of the verb changes its meaning. When a person or machine actively 'etwas absenkt' (lowers something), it needs an accusative object. When 'sich etwas absenkt' (something sinks/subsides), the process happens by itself and the verb is reflexive.
EXAMPLE
Wir senken die Preise für alle Produkte ab.
We are lowering the prices for all products.
Context clue
The object helps you recognize the meaning. If it is a concrete, physical object like 'eine Last' (a load) or 'ein Boot' (a boat), the literal meaning is intended. With abstract objects like 'Temperatur' (temperature), 'Niveau' (level), or 'Stimme' (voice), it is about a reduction.
EXAMPLE
Die Rettungskräfte senkten die Trage vorsichtig ab.
The rescue workers carefully lowered the stretcher.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning 'reduzieren' (to reduce), 'absenken' (to lower/reduce) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are: 'die Temperatur absenken' (to lower the temperature), 'die Preise absenken' (to lower prices), 'das Fieber absenken' (to bring down a fever), or 'die Erwartungen absenken' (to lower expectations).
EXAMPLE
Die Zentralbank hat den Leitzins nicht abgesenkt.
The central bank did not lower the key interest rate.
Compare with
absenken vs sinken
to sink / fall
When a water level or another level becomes lower, both sinken and sich absenken can be appropriate. Sinken describes the change without emphasizing a cause, while sich absenken places more emphasis on moving down to a lower level. Sinken is appropriate for a development that occurs on its own; for an intentionally caused change, absenken is appropriate.
absenken
Die Arbeiter senkten den Wasserspiegel nach dem starken Regen langsam ab.
The workers slowly lowered the water level after the heavy rain.
sinken
Der Wasserspiegel sank nach dem starken Regen langsam.
The water level fell slowly after the heavy rain.
In real life
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