to dismiss / remove
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to dismiss as
To treat something, for example a concern, an idea, or a remark, as unimportant or irrelevant and pay no further attention to it.
Der Chef hat meine Bedenken einfach als Kleinigkeit abgetan.
The boss simply dismissed my concerns as a minor matter.
to remove
An outdated meaning for taking off an item of clothing, especially a hat.
Der Kavalier tat seinen Hut ab und verneigte sich tief.
The gentleman removed his hat and bowed deeply.
'Abtun' (to dismiss / remove) is an irregular, separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' is separated in a main clause. Note the irregular forms of the verb 'tun' (to do): 'er tut ab', 'er tat ab', 'er hat abgetan'.
Er tut meine Sorgen immer ab.
He always dismisses my worries.
In its main modern meaning, 'abtun' (to dismiss) is almost always used with the preposition 'als'. You dismiss something 'als' something else, usually something negative or unimportant.
Man kann dieses Problem nicht einfach als unwichtig abtun.
You can't simply dismiss this problem as unimportant.
Abstract things such as concerns, worries, ideas, criticism, or problems are often dismissed. Typical combinations are 'Bedenken als übertrieben abtun' (to dismiss concerns as exaggerated) or 'eine Idee als Unsinn abtun' (to dismiss an idea as nonsense).
Die Kritik der Experten wurde von der Regierung als Panikmache abgetan.
The experts' criticism was dismissed by the government as scaremongering.
The meaning 'ein Kleidungsstück ablegen' (to take off an item of clothing) is outdated. Today it is only used in historical novels or films to imitate an old-fashioned way of speaking.
Als er den Raum betrat, tat er seinen Mantel ab.
When he entered the room, he removed his coat.
to reject / turn away
When responding to an accusation, zurückweisen and abtun can both express a negative reaction. Zurückweisen means explicitly and firmly rejecting the accusation, while abtun treats it as unimportant or unfounded and gives it no further attention. „Zurückweisen“ is suitable for a clear response, while „abtun“ expresses dismissive disregard.
Die Ärztin tat den Vorwurf, sie habe einen Fehler gemacht, als belanglos ab.
The doctor dismissed the accusation that she had made a mistake as insignificant.
Die Ärztin wies den Vorwurf, sie habe einen Fehler gemacht, entschieden zurück.
The doctor firmly rejected the accusation that she had made a mistake.
