German word

abdecken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈapˌdɛkən/

Meaning

  • verbcover

Example

Bitte decke das Essen ab, damit es nicht austrocknet.

Please cover the food to keep it from drying out.

Illustration for abdecken (cover)

More examples

In der Diskussion wollen wir alles abdecken.

In the discussion, we want to cover everything.

Core concept

A surface disappears beneath a cover, and the same idea broadens to covering expenses or risks and handling what needs to be dealt with.

Common phrases

  • ein Thema abdecken

    cover a topic

  • alles abdecken

    cover everything

  • Risiken abdecken

    cover risks

Similar words

bedecken: Covering a surface evenly with a thin layer or coating.
decken: Setting a table by laying out dishes, plates, or table linens.
aufdecken: Taking away a covering to reveal what lies underneath.
zudecken: Wrapping or covering someone or something to provide warmth and protection.

Definition in German

etwas mit einer Decke, einem Deckel oder einer Hülle so bedecken, dass die Oberfläche verborgen oder geschützt ist; im übertragenen Sinn auch Kosten, Verluste oder Risiken übernehmen

Word origin

Abdecken is a separable compound verb built from ab- and decken, with the basic meaning of covering something and extended meanings of fully providing for it.

Usage tips

  • Abdecken can take a direct object for costs or risks, as in Kosten abdecken or ein Risiko abdecken, where English often uses cover or deal with depending on context.

Other meanings

  • meetverb
  • clear awayverb
  • deal withverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Abdeckungcovernoun
  • abgedecktcoveredadjective

Word lists with this word