In today’s world, it can often feel as if more and more people are trying to rip you off – whether online or in person. Understanding this word may help you spot unfair practices and express your frustration like a native.
Mastering Abzocken will make your German sound natural, especially in everyday conversations about money, shopping, and the challenges of modern life.
What does Abzocken mean?
Abzocken is a colloquial German verb meaning “to rip off,” “swindle,” or “fleece” someone, especially by charging excessively or tricking them financially.
Its literal origin comes from the older verb zocken, which originally meant “to gamble” or “play games.”
Over time, Abzocken evolved to describe the act of unfairly taking money from someone, often through deceit or overpricing.
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You may also have heard younger people in Germany using the verb zocken to talk about playing video games.
So beware. If you hear someone say Er hat mich abgezockt, it means “he ripped me off”. If they just say Er hat gezockt it’s more likely they’re just describing a friend who’s spent a couple of hours playing Call of Duty or Super Mario Kart.
Why do I need to know Abzocken?
Abzocken is exactly the word you need when you feel you’re being taken advantage of or treated unfairly.
Whether you’re frustrated by skyrocketing rents, sneaky surcharges on online purchases, or dynamic pricing on concert tickets for your favourite singer, knowing how to use Abzocken will help you vent your frustration like a local.
READ ALSO: 7 ways to talk about money like a German
Other useful words and phrases in this context include Betrügen (to cheat), which is also used to describe infidelity, and über den Tisch ziehen.
Literally, the latter phrase means “to pull someone over the table,” but it’s used to describe situations where someone has been duped.
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How to use Abzocken
Die Reifenhändler zocken mich total ab!
The tyre dealer is totally ripping me off!
Das war eine echte Abzocke, zehn Euro für ein Bier!
That was a real rip-off, ten euros for a beer!
READ ALSO: German grammar tips – The curious case of the ‘accusative’
Hör auf, mich abzuzocken!
Stop ripping me off!
Online gibt es leider viele Abzocker, bei denen man aufpassen muss.
Unfortunately, there are many rip-off artists online you have to watch out for.
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Ich glaube, sie zocken die Kunden mit unnötigen Zusatzgebühren ab.
I think they rip off customers with unnecessary extra fees.
Sie haben mich beim Autokauf über den Tisch gezogen
They totally took me for a ride when I bought the car.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
