ab|stecken
Translation
to mark out, to stake out, to pin (clothing), to define
Examples
Wir müssen das Grundstück abstecken.
We have to mark out the property.
Der Schneider muss das Kleid noch abstecken.
The tailor still has to pin the dress.
Sie hat ihre Ziele klar abgesteckt.
She has clearly defined her goals.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to mark out sth. (area, goals) We have to mark out the construction site.
Similar Words
Synonyms: markieren (to mark), abgrenzen (to delimit), festlegen (to define)
Etymology
From 'ab-' (off, marking a boundary) and 'stecken' (to stick, to put). Literally 'to stick off' an area to mark its boundaries.
Memory Tips
Picture 'sticking' (stecken) posts into the ground to mark 'off' (ab) a territory. This can be literal for land, or figurative for goals.