Abschreiben

Abschreiben is a German verb with several related senses centered on copying or reproducing text or work from a source. It can mean writing something down from a source, reproducing the exact wording, or copying someone else’s answers, particularly in tests. More broadly, it also denotes plagiarism. The related noun das Abschreiben refers to the act of copying; a copied text may also be described as eine Abschrift in some contexts.

Etymology and form: The verb is separable, formed from ab- (away, off) and schreiben (to write). In present tense forms the prefix separates: ich schreibe ab, du schreibst ab, er schreibt ab. The perfect tense is formed with haben: ich habe abgeschrieben. The simple past is ich schrieb ab, and the past participle is abgeschrieben. The imperative is Schreib ab! or Schreiben Sie ab! In noun usage, das Abschreiben denotes the action, while das Abschreiben eines Textes can also refer to copying a text.

Contexts and usage: In education, Abschreiben of another student’s answers or of a source without proper citation is typically treated as cheating or plagiarism. In academic writing, verbatim copying is acceptable only when properly quoted and cited. In everyday language, Abschreiben can simply mean copying notes or passages for personal use, without implying wrongdoing.

Synonyms and related terms include kopieren, übernehmen and plagiieren. The term contrasts with legitimate quotation or citation, which involves clearly marking copied material and providing sources.