abschneiden

cut off; trim (hair, nails)

verb AP-shny-den Rare

Also means

cut away

Usage Note

abschneiden in personal care usually means to cut hair or nails (die Haare abschneiden). The separable verb is a strong verb (schnitt ab, abgeschnitten). Also has the figurative use: gut/schlecht abschneiden = to do well/badly.

Examples

"Er schneidet sich die Fingernägel einmal pro Woche ab."

Natural Translation

He trims his fingernails once a week.

Literal Translation

He cuts himself the fingernails once per week off.

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