to print / shirk
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to print
To transfer text or images onto paper or another material using a printer, printing press, or similar device.
Ich muss dieses Dokument noch schnell für das Meeting drucken.
I still need to quickly print this document for the meeting.
to print
To publish a text, book, or article in a newspaper, magazine, or another medium.
Die Zeitung weigerte sich, den kontroversen Leserbrief zu drucken.
The newspaper refused to print the controversial letter to the editor.
to shirk
To deliberately avoid an unpleasant task, duty, or responsibility.
Er versucht immer, sich vor dem Abwasch zu drücken.
He always tries to shirk doing the dishes.
to crouch
To duck down or make oneself small in order not to be seen or to avoid a blow.
Er drückte sich hinter die Mauer, als er die Polizei sah.
He crouched behind the wall when he saw the police.
The verb 'drucken' (to print) is closely related to the noun 'der Druck' (pressure). The basic meaning of printing is to put ink onto paper with pressure. The reflexive meanings too, such as 'sich vor etwas drücken' (to shirk something), contain the idea of avoiding a (metaphorical) pressure.
Der hohe Erwartungsdruck in der Arbeit ist kaum auszuhalten.
The high pressure of expectations at work is almost unbearable.
It is important to distinguish the non-reflexive and reflexive forms. 'Drucken' (to print) means to put something onto paper (e.g. a document). 'Sich drücken' means that a person moves themself or avoids a task.
Kannst du mir bitte diese E-Mail drucken?
Could you please print this email for me?
The expression 'sich drücken vor' (to shirk/avoid) is always used with the preposition 'vor' and the dative. It describes what one is shirking. This phrasing is somewhat colloquial.
Die Kinder versuchen, sich vor den Hausaufgaben zu drücken.
The children try to shirk their homework.
In the technical sense, 'drucken' (to print) is often used with objects such as 'ein Dokument' (a document), 'ein Foto' (a photo), 'ein Plakat' (a poster), or 'ein Ticket' (a ticket). You can also specify how something is printed, for example 'in Farbe' (in color) or 'schwarz-weiß' (black and white).
Ich habe die Fotos vom Urlaub auf speziellem Fotopapier gedruckt.
I printed the vacation photos on special photo paper.
When 'sich drücken' means to duck or crouch, it is often followed by a preposition with a location. Typical formulations are 'sich hinter etwas drücken' (to crouch behind something), 'sich an die Wand drücken' (to press oneself against the wall), or 'sich in eine Ecke drücken' (to squeeze into a corner).
Das Kind drückte sich ängstlich hinter seine Mutter.
The child crouched anxiously behind his mother.
to avoid
Both expressions can refer to not taking on an unpleasant duty. „Vermeiden“ is neutral and generally describes preventing something undesirable, while „sich vor etwas drücken“ is colloquial and usually refers to avoiding a duty in a way that violates one’s obligation. For an everyday accusation, „sich vor etwas drücken“ is appropriate.
Paul drückt sich vor der unangenehmen Diskussion und schickt stattdessen eine kurze Nachricht.
Paul is shirking the unpleasant discussion and is sending a short message instead.
Um eine unangenehme Diskussion zu vermeiden, bereitete Anna die Unterlagen sorgfältig vor.
To avoid an unpleasant discussion, Anna prepared the documents carefully.
