to cut to size / tailor
Loading your saved state.
to cut to size
To cut material such as fabric, wood, or paper into a specific, suitable shape or size.
Der Schreiner muss die Bretter für das Regal genau zuschneiden.
The carpenter has to cut the boards for the shelf exactly to size.
to tailor to
To adapt something, such as an offer, a plan, or a speech, specifically to the needs, wishes, or characteristics of a person or group.
Die Werbekampagne ist exakt auf junge Leute zugeschnitten.
The advertising campaign is tailored exactly to young people.
'Zuschneiden' (to cut to size / tailor) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zu-' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
Der Schneider schneidet den Stoff sorgfältig zu.
The tailor carefully cuts the fabric to size.
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If physical materials such as fabric, wood, or paper are mentioned, it is about literal cutting. If it is about abstract things such as a plan, offer, or speech, the figurative meaning 'to adapt' is meant.
Bitte schneide das Papier auf A4-Format zu.
Please cut the paper to A4 size.
In the literal meaning, 'zuschneiden' (to cut to size) is often combined with materials needed for crafts or construction. Typical combinations are: 'Stoff zuschneiden' (to cut fabric to size), 'Holz zuschneiden' (to cut wood to size), 'Blech zuschneiden' (to cut sheet metal to size), or 'Glas zuschneiden' (to cut glass to size).
Für das Kleid muss ich zuerst den Seidenstoff zuschneiden.
For the dress, I first have to cut the silk fabric to size.
In the figurative meaning 'anpassen' (to adapt), 'zuschneiden' (to tailor) is always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. You tailor something to a person or a thing.
Das Seminar ist speziell auf die Bedürfnisse von Anfängern zugeschnitten.
The seminar is specially tailored to the needs of beginners.
The past participle 'zugeschnitten' is very often used like an adjective to describe that something is custom-made or precisely suited.
Das Unternehmen bietet seinen Kunden eine auf sie zugeschnittene Beratung an.
The company offers its customers consulting tailored to them.
to cut
Schneiden is the general term for working on or dividing something with a sharp tool. Zuschneiden is more specific and is used when the material is meant to be given a particular suitable shape or size. For a single piece of fabric cut according to a pattern, zuschneiden is therefore used.
Mia schneidet den Stoff nach dem Schnittmuster für das Kleid zu.
Mia cuts the fabric to the pattern for the dress.
Mia schneidet den großen Stoffrest in mehrere Stücke.
Mia cuts the large piece of leftover fabric into several pieces.
