Before you start
Meet abzeichnen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
ab- + zeichnen
- ab-
- off or away; here, taking a drawing from a source
- zeichnen
- to draw
You draw an outline off a model to make a copy; with sich, an outline can show itself, and abzeichnen can also mean to sign off a document.
So abzeichnen means to trace; to become apparent (sich abzeichnen); to sign off.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Separable verb: ab·zeichnen
In a main clause the prefix ab splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseSie zeichnet den Plan sauber ab.She copies the plan neatly.
Subordinate clauseIch weiß, dass er den Plan abzeichnet.I know that he is copying the plan.
Participle: abgezeichnetzu-infinitive: abzuzeichnen
Forms
How abzeichnen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | zeichne ab | zeichnete ab |
| du | zeichnest ab | zeichnetest ab |
| er/sie/es | zeichnet ab | zeichnete ab |
| wir | zeichnen ab | zeichneten ab |
| ihr | zeichnet ab | zeichnetet ab |
| Sie | zeichnen ab | zeichneten ab |
Partizip II abgezeichnet · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich zeichne das Bild ab.I copy the picture.prefix goes to the end
- 2Der Fehler hat sich schnell abgezeichnet.The mistake quickly became apparent.Perfekt with haben
- 3Ich glaube, dass sich ein Problem abzeichnet.I think a problem is emerging.verb at the end after dass
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
abzeichnen + der Berg
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use the reflexive form.
- 3Say where the mountain stands out.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The dangerdie Gefahr had already become clear to us.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When the cloudsdie Wolke, die Wolken came, the stormdas Gewitter began to take shapesich abzeichnen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I could tellmerken because the enddas Ende was already becoming clear.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The childdas Kind traced the picturedas Bild that his sisterdie Schwester had drawnmalen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
You can trace the mapdie Karte for your brotherder Bruder.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She tried to trace the flowerdie Blume from the bookdas Buch.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Would you sign this formdas Formular for me?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
abzeichnen + das Ende + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Use the simple past.
- 2Use the reflexive form.
- 3Add an obwohl-clause with its verb at the end.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What has recently become clear to you?
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one sentence using abzeichnen.
- 2Use the perfect tense.