subtrahieren
/zʊptʁaˈhiːʁən/
The English verb 'subtract' can be translated into German as subtrahieren or abziehen.
Meaning: to remove or reduce (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| subtrahieren | /zʊptʁaˈhiːʁən/ |
| abziehen | /ˈʔaptsiːən/ |
Both words mean to remove or reduce a value. abziehen is frequently used in contexts like deducting money from a total or subtracting a value from a sum.
Which one should you use?
subtrahieren is the formal, technical term used in mathematics.
How does it change in a sentence?
abziehen is a separable verb, so in a simple sentence like 'I subtract the tax', it becomes Ich ziehe die Steuer ab.
How do you pronounce it?
/zʊptʁaˈhiːʁən/
Did you know?
- The verb abziehen can be used in a completely different sense to describe the act of 'skinning' an animal.
- In a slang context, abziehen can mean to rip someone off or cheat them out of money.
- The word abziehen can also mean to 'evacuate' or 'withdraw' a military force from a specific area.
Examples in context
- Ich muss 3 von 7 abziehen, um das Ergebnis zu bekommen.I must subtract 3 from 7 to get the result.
- Wenn ich 2 von 10 wegnehe, bleiben 8 übrig.If I take 2 away from 10, 8 remain.
- Du musst die Kosten subtrahieren.You have to subtract the costs.
- Subtrahieren Sie bitte diesen Betrag.Please subtract this amount.
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are studying math together.
- SarahJulian, wie löse ich diese Aufgabe?Julian, how do I solve this problem?
- JulianDu musst einfach die kleine Zahl subtrahieren.You just have to subtract the small number.
- SarahSoll ich sie von der Summe subtrahieren?Should I subtract it from the sum?
- JulianJa, genau so ist es richtig.Yes, that is exactly right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “subtract” translations and entries subtrahieren, abziehen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
