abzusetzen

Abzusetzen is the zu-infinitive form of the German verb absetzen and is used mainly in formal or grammatical contexts to refer to the act of removing, discontinuing, or detaching something. The related noun form is das Absetzen, which denotes the act itself in a general sense.

The verb absetzen has several core meanings. One is to remove someone from a position or office, often after a vote or a decision by an authority. For example, "Der Präsident wurde abgesetzt." This sense is common in political, organizational, or institutional contexts. A second meaning is to discontinue or stop using something, especially a medication, treatment, or habit. Phrases like "ein Medikament absetzen" or "das Absetzen einer Behandlung" are typical, and doctors may advise a gradual oder monitored reduction. A third meaning covers the physical detachment or removal of a component from a system or device, as in a technical or mechanical context where a part is abgesetzt or separated.

In usage, absetzen is commonly followed by prepositions such as von (absetzen von einem Amt) or with objects (ein Medikament absetzen). The related noun Absetzen appears in compounds like das Absetzen von Medikamenten or das Absetzen einer Maßnahme. The prefix ab- conveys separation or removal, and setzen provides the root meaning of placing or fixing.

A note on differentiation: absetzen differs from aussetzen, which can mean to suspend or expose, and from setzen in other senses. In neutral written German, absetzen and Absetzen are used according to their respective senses of removal, discontinuation, or detachment.