Abzeichnen

Abzeichnen is a German verb with several related meanings that all derive from zeichnen (to draw) and the separable prefix ab- (away, off). It is commonly used in drawing, administration, and technical contexts.

In drawing and drafting, abzeichnen means to copy a drawing by tracing it onto another sheet or medium. It describes transferring an outline or details from an original to a tracing or template. Typical usage: Der Techniker zeichnet die Skizze ab. The past participle is abgezeichnet, as in Die Zeichnung ist abgezeichnet.

In administrative and organizational contexts, abzeichnen means to approve or sign off on a document by annotating it with one's signature. It denotes formal authorization or endorsement. Typical usage: Der Abteilungsleiter hat den Bericht abgezeichnet. The action implies that the document has been reviewed and officially authorized.

The term can therefore refer to both a technical copying process and the act of official approval, depending on the context. In some fields, it is useful to distinguish related verbs such as nachzeichnen (to retrace or redraw, often for correction) and übertragen/überzeichnen (to transfer or transfer with emphasis on reproduction). Abzeichnen emphasizes completion of a copying step or formal authorization.

Etymology traces to the prefix ab- (away) with zeichnen (to draw), conveying the idea of drawing off or transferring a copy, or of signing off on a document.