to sever
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to sever
To completely cut through something that has an elongated shape, such as a rope, cable, or ribbon, so that it is divided into two parts.
Mit einer Zange durchtrennte er das rote Kabel.
He severed the red cable with a pair of pliers.
to sever
In a figurative sense, to end a connection, relationship, or bond abruptly and permanently.
Nach dem Streit haben sie alle Bande zueinander durchtrennt.
After the argument, they severed all ties with each other.
'Durchtrennen' is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'durch-' is never separated from the stem 'trennen' (to separate), not even in main clauses or in the participle.
Er durchtrennte das Seil mit einem Messer.
He severed the rope with a knife.
The verb consists of the prefix 'durch-' and the verb 'trennen' (to separate). Literally, it means to separate something by cutting all the way through it. This idea of a final cut also applies to the figurative meaning.
Die Schere war nicht scharf genug, um den Draht zu durchtrennen.
The scissors were not sharp enough to sever the wire.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the object. If it is a physical object like 'Kabel' (cable) or 'Schlauch' (hose), the literal meaning is intended. With abstract nouns like 'Bande' (ties) or 'Verbindung' (connection), it is about figuratively ending a relationship.
Der Gärtner hat aus Versehen den Wasserschlauch durchtrennt.
The gardener accidentally severed the water hose.
to cut off / to perform
When something is abgeschnitten, a specific section is separated from it. Durchtrennen, by contrast, emphasizes that an elongated object is cut all the way through and thereby divided into two parts. If a piece is to be removed, abschneiden is appropriate; if the focus is on the separation itself, durchtrennen is appropriate.
Sie durchtrennt das Seil genau in der Mitte.
She severs the rope exactly in the middle.
Sie schneidet vom Seil ein kurzes beschädigtes Stück ab.
She cuts a short damaged piece off the rope.
