Abändern

Abändern is a German verb meaning to alter, modify, or amend something that already exists. It is commonly used when changes are applied to an existing object, document, plan, or setting rather than creating something new. The prefix ab- with ändern emphasizes applying adjustments to a prior state.

The term covers a range of contexts. In legal and contract work, man newspapers talk about eine Klausel abändern or Verträge abändern to reflect new terms. In editing or publishing, man speaks of einen Text abändern to revise wording. In fashion and tailoring, abändern refers to altering a garment to improve fit or style. In technology or engineering, settings or configurations can be abändert, depending on the context.

Grammar and usage notes. Abändern is a separable verb: present tense you can say ich ändere ab, du änderst ab, er ändert ab; simple past ich änderte ab; perfect form is ich habe abgeändert. Passive constructions use wird abgeändert. It is a regular verb in terms of conjugation.

Etymology and nuance. The form combines ab- with ändern, where ab- signals modification of an existing item rather than creation of something new. Abändern often carries a sense of adjustment, correction, or tailoring to meet specific requirements, specifications, or conditions.

See also: ändern, anpassen, bearbeiten, korrigieren.