01
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
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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 einstellen
to hire / adjust / stop
'einstellen' and 'abbrechen' can both mean that something does not continue. 'einstellen' often sounds like a deliberate decision to stop or discontinue an activity, production, or service completely or for a longer period. 'abbrechen' is used when something is already in progress and is stopped before its planned end, for example a conversation, a course, or a download. Learners may confuse the words because both express an ending. As a guide: 'abbrechen' fits an ongoing process that ends suddenly or early; 'einstellen' is more suitable for an offer, operation, or regular activity.
abbrechen
Lena bricht den Online-Kurs ab, weil sie am Wochenende arbeiten muss.
Lena drops the online course because she has to work on weekends.
einstellen
Wegen zu weniger Kunden stellt der Laden den Lieferdienst ein.
Because there are too few customers, the shop is discontinuing its delivery service.
In real life
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