to cut to size / tailor
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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.
'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' and 'zuschneiden' both have to do with using a knife, scissors, or another sharp tool. 'schneiden' is more general: you separate something, make pieces out of it, or work on it. 'zuschneiden' is more specific: you cut material so that in the end it has a particular suitable shape or size. Learners may confuse the words because both involve actual cutting. In practical terms: if only cutting something into pieces is important, 'schneiden' fits. If something is being made to fit, for example fabric for a dress or wood for a shelf, 'zuschneiden' is more natural.
Für das neue Regal schneidet Paul die Bretter genau zu.
For the new shelf, Paul cuts the boards exactly to size.
Kannst du bitte das Brot schneiden, bevor wir frühstücken?
Can you please slice the bread before we have breakfast?