erledigen
Translation
to take care of, to handle, to complete, to finish
Examples
Ich muss diese Aufgabe schnell erledigen.
I have to get this task done quickly.
Die Sache hat sich von selbst erledigt.
The matter took care of itself.
Nach der langen Wanderung war ich erledigt.
After the long hike, I was exhausted.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) erledigen to take care of sth. I need to take care of my work.
Similar Words
Synonyms: abschließen, fertigstellen; Antonyms: aufschieben
Etymology
From the prefix 'er-' (indicating completion) and 'ledig' (free, empty). Literally 'to make empty' by finishing something.
Memory Tips
Think of 'eradicating' a task from your to-do list. When you 'erledigen' it, it's gone.