abbremsen
to slow down / brake
To actively reduce the speed of a vehicle or movement, usually by applying a brake.
EXAMPLE
Der Radfahrer musste vor der roten Ampel stark abbremsen.
The cyclist had to brake hard before the red traffic light.
abbremsen
to slow down / brake
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Meanings
abbremsen
to slow down
In a figurative sense, to slow down or hinder a process, development, or growth.
EXAMPLE
Die Bürokratie bremst viele innovative Projekte in der Anfangsphase ab.
Bureaucracy slows down many innovative projects in the early phase.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abbremsen' (to slow down / brake) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich bremse vor der Kurve immer ab.
I always slow down before the curve.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'abbremsen' (to slow down / brake) is often used with adverbs such as 'stark' (hard), 'plötzlich' (suddenly), 'sanft' (gently), or 'rechtzeitig' (in time) to describe the way of braking.
EXAMPLE
Als ein Kind auf die Straße lief, musste die Fahrerin stark abbremsen.
When a child ran into the street, the driver had to brake hard.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'abbremsen' (to slow down) refers to abstract things. Typical objects are 'das Wachstum' (growth), 'die Entwicklung' (development), 'ein Projekt' (a project), or 'die Wirtschaft' (the economy).
EXAMPLE
Hohe Zinsen können das wirtschaftliche Wachstum abbremsen.
High interest rates can slow down economic growth.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that the object of the sentence is an abstract process, e.g. 'Wachstum' (growth) or 'Fortschritt' (progress). If it is about a vehicle or a physical movement, the literal meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Die neuen Regelungen haben den Baufortschritt deutlich abgebremst.
The new regulations have clearly slowed down construction progress.
Compare with
abbremsen vs bremsen
to brake / slow down
Bremsen is the general term for reducing speed or stopping movement. Abbremsen emphasizes the active process of reducing speed more strongly, usually by using a brake. Both can therefore be possible in the same driving situation.
abbremsen
Der Fahrer bremst den Wagen vor der roten Ampel gezielt ab.
The driver deliberately slows the car down before the red light.
bremsen
Der Fahrer bremst vor der roten Ampel.
The driver brakes before the red light.
In real life
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