01
absetzen
to set down
To put something that one has been carrying or holding down in a place.
example
Er setzte seinen schweren Koffer auf dem Boden ab, um sich auszuruhen.
He set his heavy suitcase down on the floor to rest.
absetzen
to set down / sell / discontinue
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Absetzen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Pilot setzt die Maschine sicher ab.
The pilot sets the aircraft down safely.
Reflexive use
Some meanings of 'absetzen' are reflexive, meaning they are used with 'sich' (oneself). This applies to secretly leaving a place ('sich absetzen', to flee) and to particles sinking in a liquid.
EXAMPLE
Die Diebe setzten sich nach Spanien ab.
The thieves fled to Spain.
Literal meaning
The most basic meaning should be understood literally: to put down something that one is carrying or holding. Typical objects are suitcases, bags, backpacks, or hats.
EXAMPLE
Sie setzte vorsichtig die Gläser auf dem Tisch ab.
She carefully set the glasses down on the table.
Context: business
In a business context, 'absetzen' always means 'to sell'. It is often used to talk about the sales success of products or goods.
EXAMPLE
Der Hersteller konnte im ersten Quartal über eine Million Smartphones absetzen.
The manufacturer was able to sell over a million smartphones in the first quarter.
Context: medicine
In a medical context, 'absetzen' exclusively means to stop taking a medication. It is almost always combined with words like 'Medikament' (medication), 'Tabletten' (tablets), or 'Dosis' (dose).
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt hat entschieden, das Schmerzmittel langsam abzusetzen.
The doctor decided to discontinue the painkiller gradually.
Fixed expression: taxes
The phrase 'etwas von der Steuer absetzen' (to deduct something from one's taxes) is a fixed expression. It means that you list certain expenses on your tax return in order to pay less tax.
EXAMPLE
Man kann die Kosten für Fachbücher von der Steuer absetzen.
You can deduct the cost of specialist books from your taxes.
Context: power
When referring to people in positions of power, for example a king, president, or managing director, 'absetzen' means to remove that person from office.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Putsch wurde der Diktator abgesetzt.
After the coup, the dictator was removed from office.
Context: transport
In connection with vehicles and people, 'absetzen' means to let someone get out at a specific place or to drop someone off.
EXAMPLE
Der Busfahrer hat mich direkt vor meiner Haustür abgesetzt.
The bus driver dropped me off right in front of my front door.
Compare with
absetzen vs verkaufen
to sell
'verkaufen' and 'absetzen' can both mean that goods go to customers in exchange for money. 'verkaufen' is the normal everyday word: a person or a store sells something. 'absetzen' is used more in business and trade when talking about products, quantities, or success in the market. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with sales. In everyday life, 'verkaufen' usually sounds more natural; 'absetzen' sounds more business-like.
absetzen
Die Firma setzt im Sommer besonders viele Getränke ab.
The company sells especially large quantities of drinks in the summer.
verkaufen
Wir verkaufen unser altes Fahrrad über eine Anzeige im Internet.
We are selling our old bicycle through an online ad.
In real life
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