ab|schreiben
Translation
to copy, to plagiarise, to write off (debt), to depreciate (assets)
Examples
Der Schüler hat den Text abgeschrieben.
The student copied the text.
Man kann die Kosten von der Steuer abschreiben.
You can write the costs off against tax.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((von+3)) abschreiben to copy (sth.) (from sth./sb.) He copied the sentence from the board.
((sth.)) abschreiben to write off (sth.) The company has to write off the machine.
Similar Words
Synonyms: kopieren, plagiieren; Antonyms: to compose oneself, to draft
Etymology
From 'ab-' (off, from) and 'schreiben' (to write). Literally 'to write from' or 'to write off'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'writing' (schreiben) something 'from' (ab) another source (to copy), or 'off' (ab) the books (to write off).