01
der Abbau
reduction
The reduction or decrease of something, for example staff, costs, or bureaucracy.
example
Das Unternehmen kündigte den Abbau von 500 Stellen an.
The company announced the reduction of 500 positions.
der Abbau
reduction / extraction / dismantling
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Abbau' (reduction/extraction/dismantling) is derived directly from the separable verb 'abbauen' (to dismantle, reduce, extract). The verb literally means 'to build something down' or 'to build something away' (ab + bauen), and the noun describes the action or the result of it.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma plant, die unrentable Abteilung abzubauen.
The company plans to reduce the unprofitable department.
Context clue: abstract things
In this meaning, 'Abbau' (reduction) refers to abstract things, often in an economic or political context. Typical collocations are 'Abbau von Stellen' (reduction of jobs), 'Abbau von Schulden' (reduction of debt), or 'Abbau von Bürokratie' (reduction of bureaucracy).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung verspricht den Abbau von bürokratischen Hürden.
The government promises the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles.
Context clue: raw materials
This meaning is used for the extraction of natural resources from the earth. You can recognize it from nouns like 'Kohle' (coal), 'Erz' (ore), 'Salz' (salt), or the general term 'Rohstoffe' (raw materials).
EXAMPLE
Der Abbau von Kohle hat in dieser Region eine lange Tradition.
The extraction of coal has a long tradition in this region.
Context clue: science
This meaning belongs to the fields of biology and chemistry. It describes the decomposition of substances. Signal words are 'biologisch' (biological), 'chemisch' (chemical), or substances like 'Plastik' (plastic) and 'Schadstoffe' (pollutants).
EXAMPLE
Der biologische Abbau dieses Materials dauert nur wenige Wochen.
The biological breakdown of this material takes only a few weeks.
Context clue: structures
Here 'Abbau' (dismantling) means the dismantling of human-made, often temporary structures. Typical objects are 'ein Gerüst' (scaffolding), 'ein Zelt' (a tent), 'eine Bühne' (a stage), or 'ein Messestand' (a trade fair booth).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Konzert begann sofort der Abbau der Bühne.
After the concert, the dismantling of the stage began immediately.
Compare with
Abbau vs Förderung
support / extraction
'die Förderung' and 'der Abbau' can both refer to extracting raw materials from the earth. In this area, they are closely related. 'Abbau' places more emphasis on coal, ore, or salt being loosened from the ground and taken out, for example in a mine. 'Förderung' emphasizes more that the raw material is brought up or out of the earth, especially with oil, gas, or coal. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in mining and in the context of raw materials. The important point is: 'Abbau' also has other meanings, such as reduction or dismantling; 'Förderung' can also mean support or funding.
Abbau
Der Abbau von Salz beschäftigt in der Stadt viele Menschen.
Salt mining employs many people in the town.
Förderung
Die Förderung von Erdgas ist in dieser Region stark zurückgegangen.
The extraction of natural gas has declined sharply in this region.
In real life
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