German word

abschaffen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈapʃafn̩/

Meaning

  • verbabolish

Example

Der Staat schafft die Steuer ab.

The state is abolishing the tax.

Illustration for abschaffen (abolish)

More examples

Viele Leute wollen die Pflicht abschaffen.

Many people want to abolish the obligation.

Core concept

An official rule has its seal removed, so it no longer governs anyone.

Common phrases

  • die Gebühr abschaffen

    abolish the fee

  • die Pflicht abschaffen

    abolish the obligation

Similar words

aufheben: Revoke a law or rule and thereby end its legal effect.
streichen: Delete a plan item or budget entry, ending its implementation or funding.
abbauen: Scale down a system or form of support until it is ultimately eliminated.
wegfallen: No longer be included as planned or remain applicable under a rule.

Definition in German

etwas offiziell abschaffen, also durch Entscheidung oder Gesetz seine Gültigkeit beenden

Word origin

The separable verb combines ab- 'away' with schaffen 'make or bring about'; its older sense of taking something away developed into ending an institution or rule officially.

Usage tips

  • In finite clauses, abschaffen splits, as in 'Der Staat schafft die Steuer ab', and the object remains in the accusative.

Other meanings

  • discontinueverb
  • eliminateverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word