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German frequency list

No. 4,843 in German

abstellgleis

"Abstellgleis" means "siding track" or figuratively "sideline," referring to being set aside, marginalized, or removed from active involvement.

In a sentence

  • Nach der Umstrukturierung wurde ihr Projekt auf das Abstellgleis geschoben.

    After the reorganization, her project was sidelined.

    In this sentence, 'Abstellgleis' metaphorically refers to being sidelined or no longer actively pursued in a professional or project context.

  • Das alte Zugabteil wurde auf das Abstellgleis verlegt.

    The old train compartment was moved to the siding.

    Here, 'Abstellgleis' is used literally to describe a physical siding in a railway context where inactive trains are placed.

  • Er fühlt sich, als wäre er nach seiner Kündigung auf das Abstellgleis geraten.

    He feels as if he was sidelined after his resignation.

    Here, 'Abstellgleis' conveys a personal feeling of being relegated to a less significant or inactive status.

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