01
abfahren
to depart
To leave a place with a vehicle (such as a train, bus, or car) in order to begin a journey.
example
Unser Zug fährt pünktlich um 14:05 Uhr von Gleis 7 ab.
Our train departs on time at 2:05 p.m. from platform 7.
abfahren
to depart / be into
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abfahren' (to depart / be into) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Bus fährt gleich ab.
The bus is departing soon.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'abfahren' describes movement away from a place, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Wir sind gestern sehr früh abgefahren.
We departed very early yesterday.
Colloquial language
The expression 'auf etwas abfahren' (to be really into something) is purely colloquial. It is used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative and means that you think something or someone is really great.
EXAMPLE
Mein kleiner Bruder fährt total auf Superhelden-Filme ab.
My little brother is totally into superhero movies.
With an accusative object
In the meaning 'eine Strecke befahren' (to drive along a route), 'abfahren' is transitive and needs an accusative object. This distinguishes it from the meaning 'verlassen' (to leave), which is intransitive.
EXAMPLE
Der Busfahrer muss jeden Tag dieselbe Strecke abfahren.
The bus driver has to drive along the same route every day.
Compare with
abfahren vs gefallen
to please / to fall
'gefallen' and 'abfahren auf' can both mean that you like something or someone very much. 'gefallen' is neutral and fits almost any situation, including more formal conversations. 'auf etwas abfahren' is colloquial and much stronger. It suggests enthusiasm and can sometimes sound casual or youthful. Learners may confuse the words because both express a positive opinion. If you want to speak normally and safely, use 'gefallen'. If you want to say very casually that someone thinks something is extremely great, 'abfahren auf' fits.
abfahren
Lena fährt total auf alte Motorräder ab.
Lena is totally into old motorcycles.
gefallen
Dem Kunden hat der Vorschlag für die neue Webseite gefallen.
The client liked the proposal for the new website.
In real life
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