German word

absichern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈapˌzɪçɐn/

Meaning

  • verbsecure

Example

Die Polizei sichert das Gelände ab.

The police are securing the area.

Illustration for absichern (secure)

More examples

Vor großen Projekten sollten wir uns vertraglich absichern.

Before major projects, we should protect ourselves contractually.

Core concept

A protective shell around something valuable, with weak points covered before danger can reach it.

Common phrases

  • vertraglich absichern

    ensure by contract

  • sich vor Verlusten absichern

    protect oneself against losses

  • Serverdaten absichern

    safeguard server data

Similar words

sichern: Make equipment or facilities safe through precautions against danger or disruption.
absperren: Close off a place or passage with barriers or tape to prevent entry.
bewachen: Watch over a person or place to prevent intrusion or damage.
schützen: Keep people or things safe from harm or loss.

Definition in German

durch Vorkehrungen dafür sorgen, dass etwas nicht gefährdet wird und seine Sicherheit bewahrt bleibt

Word origin

The verb absichern is built from ab- and sichern; sichern comes from sicher, a German word ultimately descended from Latin securus.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive construction sich gegen etwas absichern commonly names the risk with gegen, as in sich gegen einen Ausfall absichern.

Other meanings

  • protectverb
  • provide forverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Absicherungsafeguardingnoun
  • Absicherungsstrategieprotective strategynoun

Word lists with this word