abreichen

Abreichen is a German verb meaning to hand over, deliver, or present something to someone, typically in a formal or official context. It is formed with the separable prefix ab- attached to reichen. In standard conjugation, the prefix is separated in main clauses: Der Zeuge reichte dem Gericht die Unterlagen ab. The direct object is the item, and the recipient is in the dative.

The sense centers on the completion of a handover to an authority, institution, or person, often as part of a procedure. It is related to, but somewhat distinct from, überreichen, which also means to hand over but carries a nuance of presentation or ceremonial handing over; abreichen emphasizes the act of delivering to a recipient within formal processes.

Common contexts include legal and administrative settings (delivering documents, certificates, or evidence to courts or authorities), as well as business communications where documents or reports are handed to a supervisor or department. In usage notes, abreichen tends to appear in formal writing and procedural contexts, while everyday language may favor überreichen or simply geben.

Noun forms are rare; the verb is typically used directly in sentences to describe the act of handing something over. Overall, abreichen denotes a formal delivery or handover to a recipient as part of an official workflow.