German VERB B2 Rank 7608

absichern

to secure

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Meanings

absichern

to secure

Using the infinitive 'absichern' (to secure) as an adjective is grammatically incorrect and does not occur in German. Usually the participle 'abgesichert' (secured/protected) is meant, e.g. 'ein abgesichertes Gelände' (a secured area).

EXAMPLE

Der Satz „Die Baustelle ist absichern“ ist falsch; korrekt wäre „Die Baustelle ist abgesichert“.

The sentence 'Die Baustelle ist absichern' is wrong; the correct version would be 'Die Baustelle ist abgesichert' (The construction site is secured).

Usage tips

Common mistake

The infinitive 'absichern' (to secure) is sometimes incorrectly used like an adjective. However, only the past participle is correct: 'abgesichert' (secured/protected). A person or thing 'ist abgesichert' (is secured/protected), not 'ist absichern'.

EXAMPLE

Das Gelände ist polizeilich abgesichert.

The area is secured by the police.

Separable verb

The verb 'absichern' (to secure) is separable. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab' goes to the end. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive, the word stays together.

EXAMPLE

Er sichert seine Daten immer auf einer externen Festplatte ab.

He always backs up his data on an external hard drive.

Reflexive use

'Absichern' (to secure/protect) is very often used reflexively: 'sich absichern' (to protect oneself). It is usually followed by the preposition 'gegen' with the accusative to name the danger one is protecting oneself against.

EXAMPLE

Man sollte sich gegen unvorhergesehene Risiken absichern.

One should protect oneself against unforeseen risks.

Compare with

sichern versichern abdecken

confusable

absichern vs sichern

to secure / save

Sichern generally refers to making something safe immediately and protecting it from dangers. Absichern often emphasizes an additional, precautionary measure against a specific risk. In many situations, both are possible, but absichern focuses more strongly on taking precautions.

absichern

Die Arbeiter sichern die Baugrube zusätzlich gegen starken Regen ab.

The workers additionally protect the construction pit against heavy rain.

sichern

Die Arbeiter sichern die Baugrube vor Beginn der Arbeiten.

The workers secure the construction pit before work begins.

Open full word page: sichern

In real life

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