What is the term used for "wear and tear" in German?

The term "wear and tear" in German is correctly referred to as "Verschleiß." This term specifically conveys the concept of deterioration or damage that occurs to an object over time due to continuous use. In various contexts, particularly in engineering and manufacturing, "Verschleiß" is used to describe the physical decline of materials and components.

Other terms in the choices refer to different concepts. "Verschmutzung" means "pollution" or "contamination," which is unrelated to the idea of deterioration from use. "Abnutzung" also translates to "wear" but is less specific than "Verschleiß" and often refers more broadly to the process of becoming used or worn down rather than the technical aspects of material wear. "Alterung" refers to "aging," which describes the process of growing older rather than the wear and tear on objects.

Thus, "Verschleiß" is the precise term that captures the essence of physical degradation due to use, making it the correct answer.