01
abwischen
to wipe down
To clean a surface by wiping away dirt, dust, or liquid.
example
Kannst du bitte den Tisch abwischen, bevor die Gäste kommen?
Can you please wipe down the table before the guests arrive?
abwischen
to wipe
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abwischen' (to wipe) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' separates from the verb in a main clause and goes to the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Wischst du bitte den Staub vom Regal ab?
Could you please wipe the dust off the shelf?
Two usage patterns
The direct object in the accusative shows what is meant. If the object is the surface, e.g. 'den Tisch' (the table), that surface is cleaned. If the object is the dirt, e.g. 'die Flecken' (the stains), it is removed.
EXAMPLE
Sie wischt schnell die Küchentheke ab.
She quickly wipes down the kitchen counter.
Reflexive use
The verb is often used reflexively with a dative pronoun to express that someone removes something from themselves. The construction is: sich (dative) + etwas (accusative) + abwischen.
EXAMPLE
Er wischte sich den Schweiß von der Stirn ab.
He wiped the sweat off his forehead.
Compare with
abwischen vs putzen
to clean
'putzen' and 'abwischen' both have to do with cleaning. 'putzen' is more general and means that something is properly cleaned, for example a bathroom, a floor, or a window. 'abwischen' describes more specifically the movement of a cloth or hand over a surface. In doing this, you remove dust, dirt, or liquid. Learners may confuse the words because when cleaning, you often also wipe. If only a surface needs to be cleaned quickly, 'abwischen' fits better. If the whole thing is being cleaned thoroughly, 'putzen' sounds more natural.
abwischen
Nach dem Essen wischt sie den Tisch mit einem feuchten Tuch ab.
After the meal, she wipes down the table with a damp cloth.
putzen
Am Samstag putze ich die ganze Küche, weil Besuch kommt.
On Saturday I clean the whole kitchen because visitors are coming.
In real life
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