entsorgen
to dispose of
To properly remove or render harmless waste, trash, or pollutants.
EXAMPLE
Die alten Batterien müssen bei einer speziellen Sammelstelle entsorgt werden.
The old batteries must be disposed of at a special collection point.
entsorgen
to dispose of
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Meanings
entsorgen
to get rid of
Colloquial and often cynical: to get rid of a person or thing that has become annoying.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem der alte Computer kaputtging, hat er ihn einfach im Keller 'entsorgt'.
After the old computer broke, he simply 'got rid of' it in the basement.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'ent-' (away) and the verb 'sorgen' (to worry/care). Literally, 'entsorgen' (to dispose of) means to remove a worry or burden, which explains the meaning 'to get rid of something' well.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Schrank war eine Last, wir waren froh, ihn endlich zu entsorgen.
The old cabinet was a burden; we were glad to finally dispose of it.
Inseparable verb
'Entsorgen' (to dispose of) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ent-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er entsorgt den Müll immer am Montag.
He always disposes of the trash on Mondays.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'entsorgen' (to dispose of) is often combined with specific types of waste. Typical examples are: 'Müll entsorgen' (to dispose of trash), 'Altöl entsorgen' (to dispose of used oil), 'Bauschutt entsorgen' (to dispose of construction debris), or 'Sondermüll entsorgen' (to dispose of hazardous waste).
EXAMPLE
Man darf Elektroschrott nicht im Hausmüll entsorgen.
You must not dispose of electronic waste in household trash.
Register and style
When 'entsorgen' (to dispose of) is used for people or unwanted things, it is strongly colloquial and has a very negative, cynical undertone. It expresses that someone or something is being treated as worthless 'Müll' (trash).
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine alten Liebesbriefe einfach im Kamin „entsorgt“.
He simply 'got rid of' his old love letters in the fireplace.
Compare with
entsorgen vs beseitigen
to remove / eliminate
Beseitigen and entsorgen can both be used when removing waste or pollutants. Beseitigen emphasizes that the disruptive material disappears. Entsorgen more precisely refers to handling it properly or rendering it harmless, so it is especially appropriate for regulated waste disposal.
entsorgen
Der Hausmeister entsorgt den Müll anschließend in den vorgesehenen Behältern.
The caretaker then disposes of the trash in the designated containers.
beseitigen
Der Hausmeister beseitigt den Müll aus dem Flur.
The caretaker removes the trash from the hallway.
In real life
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