die Abnutzung
Translation
wear, wear and tear, attrition, abrasion
Examples
Die Abnutzung der Reifen ist normal.
The wear on the tyres is normal.
Mechanische Abnutzung reduziert die Lebensdauer.
Mechanical wear reduces the lifespan.
Grammar Patterns
the wear and tear ((on sth.)) die Abnutzung ((an+3)) The wear and tear on the machine was considerable.
Similar Words
Synonyms: der Verschleiß (wear and tear), der Abrieb (abrasion); Antonyms: die Instandhaltung (maintenance), die Reparatur (repair)
Etymology
From 'ab-' (off, away) + 'nutzen' (to use) + '-ung' (noun suffix). Literally, the 'using off' or wearing away of something.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ab' (off) and 'nutzen' (use). You 'use' something so much that parts of it start coming 'off'.