Afdoen

Afdoen is a Dutch verb with several related uses, generally involving removal, completion, or dismissal, depending on context. As a separable verb, it combines with the prefix af in the present tense (doet af), the past tense (deed af), and the past participle (afgedaan).

The most common sense is removal or detachment. Used with clothing or coverings, it means to take off or remove something from the body or an object. Examples: iemand een jas afdoen, of een hoed afdoen. In practice, native speakers often choose afdoen and the related uitdoen or afnemen, depending on the item and emphasis.

A second sense covers finishing or completing a task or process. In this use, afdoen means to wrap up, settle, or finish something that is in progress. This is common in informal speech and in written summaries of work done. Example: We moeten dit hoofdstuk nog afdoen of We hebben de dagelijkse administratie afgedaan.

A third meaning concerns dismissing or belittling something as unworthy or irrelevant. In combinatie met als, afdoen betekent to dismiss as or to regard as something unimportant. Example: Zijn opmerking werd afgedaan als onzin, of Hij doet zijn kritiek af als onterecht of overbodig.

In sum, afdoen is a versatile Dutch verb associated with removing, completing, or dismissing, with distinct usage patterns in everyday speech. Its precise meaning is driven by context, the object involved, and in some cases by the accompanying preposition.