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abfassen

to compose, to draft (a document)

verb AP-fas-sen Rare
Communication Writing

Usage Note

abfassen is slightly formal and means to compose a written text such as a letter, report, or statute. It is preferred over schreiben when the act of drafting an official or careful text is emphasised.

Examples

"Der Anwalt half ihr, ein Schreiben an die Behörde abzufassen."

Natural Translation

The lawyer helped her draft a letter to the authority.

Literal Translation

The lawyer helped her a letter to the authority to draft.

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