abgesteckt

Abgesteckt is the past participle of the German verb abstecken and is used as an adjective or participle to describe something that has been demarcated or laid out by marking boundaries or outlines with stakes, strings, or pins.

In construction and surveying, abgesteckt refers to the phase in which boundary lines, building footprints, or excavation areas are laid out on the ground before further work. For example, a site may be described as abgesteckt when the outline of a foundation has been established with stakes and string.

In textile and sewing contexts, abstecken means to lay out a pattern on fabric by pinning or tacking it in place. Here, abgesteckt describes the fabric with the pattern prepared and ready for cutting or stitching. For instance, das Schnittmuster ist abgesteckt indicates the pattern has been pinned onto the fabric.

The term is also used in gardening, landscaping, and similar fields to denote that a plot, bed, or feature has been laid out or marked before actual work begins. Abgesteckt signals that the planned arrangement is defined and awaiting execution.

Etymology and usage notes: derived from ab- (off, away) + stecken (to put, place), the word is common in technical German. It often denotes a preparatory, temporary step and can appear in various domains where precise layout or delimitation is required.