ab|lösen
Translation
to replace, to relieve (someone), to peel off, to pay off (a loan)
Examples
Die Nachtschicht löst die Tagschicht ab.
The night shift relieves the day shift.
Die Tapete löst sich von der Wand ab.
The wallpaper is peeling off the wall.
Sie hat den alten Kredit vollständig abgelöst.
She has completely paid off the old loan.
Neue Technologien lösen alte ab.
New technologies are replacing old ones.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to replace/relieve sb./sth. A new captain is relieving the old one.
sich ((from sth.)) to peel off/detach from sth. The label is peeling off the bottle.
((sth.)) to pay off sth. (a loan) He has paid off the mortgage.
Similar Words
Etymology
Composed of 'ab-' (off, away) and 'lösen' (to loosen, solve). Literally means 'to loosen off'.
Memory Tips
Visualize 'loosening' something so it comes 'off'. This applies to peeling off a label, relieving a guard from their post, or 'loosening' a debt by paying it off.