to have an abortion / drift off course
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to have an abortion
To deliberately and prematurely end a pregnancy; to have an abortion performed.
In vielen Ländern ist es unter bestimmten Bedingungen gesetzlich erlaubt, abzutreiben.
In many countries, it is legally permitted under certain conditions to have an abortion.
'Abtreiben' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' is separated from the verb in main clauses and placed at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Das Boot treibt langsam zur Küste ab.
The boat is slowly drifting toward the coast.
The two meanings are very different and only become clear through context. If the sentence is about 'Schiff' (ship), 'Wind' (wind), or 'Strömung' (current), the nautical meaning is intended. If it is about 'Schwangerschaft' (pregnancy) or a medical decision, the other meaning is intended.
Wegen des starken Sturms trieb das Schiff vom Kurs ab.
Because of the strong storm, the ship drifted off course.
In the nautical meaning, 'abtreiben' describes a passive process caused by external forces such as wind or current. Here, the verb is usually used without an object.
Ohne Paddel würde das Schlauchboot sofort abtreiben.
Without a paddle, the inflatable boat would drift off immediately.
to drive / drift
'treiben' and 'abtreiben' can both describe something being moved by water, wind, or a current. 'treiben' is generally about something being moved passively on the water or in the air. 'abtreiben' is more specific: it means that something is moved away from the planned course or the right place by external forces. Learners may confuse the words because both describe movement without one's own control. In practice: if only the movement is meant, 'treiben' fits. If the movement goes in the wrong direction or away from the course, 'abtreiben' fits.
Das kleine Boot ist bei starkem Wind vom Hafen abgetrieben.
The small boat drifted away from the harbor in the strong wind.
Ein leerer Kanister treibt langsam auf dem Fluss.
An empty canister is slowly drifting on the river.