to separate / detach
Loading your saved state.
to detach
To separate and remove a part from a whole by cutting, tearing, or a similar action.
Trennen Sie bitte den unteren Abschnitt des Gutscheins an der perforierten Linie ab.
Please detach the lower section of the voucher along the perforated line.
to partition off
To divide a room or area into smaller parts using a wall, curtain, or other barrier.
Wir wollen mit einer Gipskartonwand einen kleinen Arbeitsbereich vom Wohnzimmer abtrennen.
We want to partition off a small work area from the living room with a plasterboard wall.
'Abtrennen' (to separate/detach) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Er trennt den Anhänger vom Auto ab.
He detaches the trailer from the car.
When you want to state what something is being separated from, you use the preposition 'von' with the dative. The pattern is: etwas (accusative) von etwas (dative) abtrennen.
Die Köchin trennte das Fett vom Fleisch ab.
The cook separated the fat from the meat.
You can recognize the meaning from the object: if it is about small, removable parts (e.g. 'Coupon', 'Etikett'), physical removal is meant. If it is about rooms (e.g. 'Zimmer', 'Bereich'), dividing or partitioning is meant.
Bitte trennen Sie den unteren Abschnitt ab und behalten Sie ihn.
Please detach the lower section and keep it.
to cut off / to perform
Abschneiden and abtrennen can both refer to completely removing a part. Abschneiden specifies cutting with a sharp tool as the method. Abtrennen emphasizes more strongly that the part has become completely separated from the whole afterward, and it also allows for other methods.
Sie trennt das beschädigte Ende des Seils vollständig vom übrigen Seil ab.
She completely separates the damaged end of the rope from the rest of it.
Sie schneidet das beschädigte Ende des Seils mit einem Messer ab.
She cuts off the damaged end of the rope with a knife.
