abweichen
to deviate
To differ from or move away from a norm, a plan, a rule, or an expected value.
EXAMPLE
Das tatsächliche Ergebnis weicht stark von unserer Prognose ab.
The actual result deviates strongly from our forecast.
abweichen
to deviate / to soak
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Meanings
abweichen
to soak
To place something (e.g., old bread) in liquid so that it becomes soft.
EXAMPLE
Für die Frikadellen muss man zuerst ein altes Brötchen in Milch abweichen lassen.
For the meatballs, you first have to soak an old bread roll in milk.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abweichen' (to deviate/to soak) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab' goes at the end in a main clause. In a subordinate clause, the verb stays together, and in the infinitive with 'zu' it is 'abzuweichen'.
EXAMPLE
Seine Antwort wich von der erwarteten Norm ab.
His answer deviated from the expected norm.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'sich unterscheiden' (to differ), 'abweichen' (to deviate) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' and the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die gelieferte Ware weicht von der Beschreibung im Katalog ab.
The delivered goods deviate from the description in the catalog.
Context clue
The two meanings are easy to distinguish. When it is about plans, norms, or opinions, 'abweichen von' (to deviate from) is meant. When it is about food and liquid, the rarer meaning 'weich machen' (to make soft) is meant, which takes an accusative object.
EXAMPLE
Das Wetter weicht von der Vorhersage ab.
The weather deviates from the forecast.
Compare with
abweichen vs unterscheiden
to distinguish
Sich unterscheiden and abweichen can both show that something does not match a comparison point. Sich unterscheiden states the difference neutrally, while abweichen presupposes a pattern, plan, or expected value as a standard and can suggest a deviation from it. Unterscheiden is suitable for a neutral description, while abweichen is more appropriate when there is a standard for comparison.
abweichen
Die neue Tasche weicht bei der Farbe deutlich vom geplanten Modell ab.
The new bag deviates significantly from the planned model in terms of color.
unterscheiden
Die neue Tasche unterscheidet sich durch ihre Farbe vom alten Modell.
The new bag differs from the old model in its color.
In real life
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