abbrechen
to cancel
To end an action, event, or process early, before the planned end has been reached.
EXAMPLE
Wir mussten das Meeting abbrechen, weil der Feueralarm losging.
We had to cancel the meeting because the fire alarm went off.
abbrechen
to cancel / break off
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Meanings
abbrechen
to break off
To remove or detach a part of something by breaking it.
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, der Ast könnte abbrechen, wenn du dich darauf setzt.
Careful, the branch could break off if you sit on it.
abbrechen
to demolish
To systematically destroy and remove a building or another structure.
EXAMPLE
Das alte Rathaus wird nächstes Jahr abgebrochen, um Platz für einen Neubau zu schaffen.
The old town hall will be demolished next year to make room for a new building.
abbrechen
to abort / cancel
In information technology, to stop an ongoing process such as a download, installation, or connection.
EXAMPLE
Der Download wurde bei 95 Prozent abgebrochen.
The download was aborted at 95 percent.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abbrechen' (to cancel/break off) is a separable verb. In main clauses, the prefix 'ab' stands at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er bricht sein Studium ab.
He drops out of his degree program.
Auxiliary verb: haben or sein?
The perfect tense is formed with 'haben' when there is an object (transitive). It is formed with 'sein' when something breaks off by itself (intransitive).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat den Kontakt zu ihm abgebrochen.
She broke off contact with him.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'to end early', 'abbrechen' is often used with projects, training programs, or social contacts. Typical phrases are: 'ein Studium abbrechen' (to drop out of a degree program), 'eine Ausbildung abbrechen' (to discontinue vocational training), 'den Kontakt abbrechen' (to break off contact), or 'eine Beziehung abbrechen' (to end a relationship).
EXAMPLE
Leider musste sie ihre Ausbildung aus gesundheitlichen Gründen abbrechen.
Unfortunately, she had to discontinue her training for health reasons.
Context: buildings
When referring to buildings or other large structures, 'abbrechen' always means 'abreißen' (to tear down) or 'demolieren' (to demolish). In this context, the meaning is clear.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Fabrik wurde letztes Jahr abgebrochen.
The old factory was demolished last year.
Context: computers
In IT, 'abbrechen' is used to stop a digital process. Typical combinations are: 'einen Download abbrechen' (to cancel a download), 'eine Installation abbrechen' (to cancel an installation), or 'einen Kopiervorgang abbrechen' (to cancel a copying process).
EXAMPLE
Klicken Sie hier, um die Installation abzubrechen.
Click here to cancel the installation.
Compare with
abbrechen vs beenden
to end
Beenden neutrally describes bringing an action or process to an end. Abbrechen makes it clear that the end comes before the planned conclusion. Use “beenden” for a regular conclusion as well, and “abbrechen” when the process is not continued because it ends prematurely.
abbrechen
Sie brach den Kurs wegen gesundheitlicher Probleme vorzeitig ab.
She dropped out of the course early because of health problems.
beenden
Sie beendete den Kurs nach der letzten Unterrichtsstunde.
She finished the course after the last lesson.
In real life
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