aftappen

Aftappen is a Dutch verb meaning to draw off a liquid from a container, often by means of a tap or siphon. In its most common sense it describes the act of draining a liquid such as fuel, oil, wine, beer, or stock from a storage vessel or reservoir into another container. The action is typically performed by attaching a tap, valve, or siphon and allowing the liquid to flow out.

The term is used in various contexts. In mechanical or culinary settings, you might hear it in phrases like olie aftappen (drain the oil from an engine) or bouillon aftappen (siphon off the stock). It can also refer to decanting liquids from casks, barrels, or kettles.

A broader, figurative use exists as well. Aftappen is used to describe siphoning or skim the cash or resources from a person, organization, or till: de kassa aftappen, iemands geld aftappen. This usage conveys unauthorized or covert withdrawal of funds and is common in informal speech and journalism.

Etymology: the verb is formed from the prefix af- meaning 'off' or 'away' plus tappen, an older term meaning to tap or draw liquid via a tap. The sense of removing liquid to another vessel is preserved in most uses, and the metaphorical sense extends the same idea to money or other resources.

Note: The precise meaning depends on context; in technical writing, aftappen usually refers to draining a liquid, while the metaphorical use refers to theft or embezzlement.