drain
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drain
A device or opening through which water or other liquids can drain away, for example in a sink, bathtub, or on the street.
Der Abfluss in der Küche ist verstopft, das Wasser läuft nicht mehr ab.
The drain in the kitchen is clogged; the water no longer drains away.
'Der Abfluss' (the drain/drainage) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'abfließen' (to flow away). The prefix 'ab-' means 'away', and 'fließen' means 'to flow'. An 'Abfluss' is therefore the place or the process where something flows away.
Das Wasser kann nicht richtig abfließen.
The water cannot drain away properly.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: in the household, such as the kitchen or bathroom, it refers to the device. In connection with weather or nature, it refers to the process of draining away. In business news, it is about money or capital.
Bitte wirf keine Essensreste in den Abfluss.
Please don't throw food scraps into the drain.
When the device is meant, typical verbs are 'reinigen' (to clean) or 'verstopft sein' (to be clogged). People often speak of the 'Abfluss im Waschbecken' (drain in the sink) or 'in der Dusche' (in the shower).
Ich muss den Abfluss in der Dusche reinigen.
I have to clean the drain in the shower.
The meaning 'Abfließen von Geld' (outflow of money) is used almost exclusively in business and financial language. In this context, people often speak of 'Kapitalabfluss' (capital outflow) or 'Geldabfluss' (cash outflow).
Die Regierung versucht, den Abfluss von Investitionen zu stoppen.
The government is trying to stop the outflow of investments.
canal / channel
'der Kanal' and 'der Abfluss' both have to do with water being carried away. 'Abfluss' usually means the opening or device through which water disappears, for example in a sink or shower. It can also mean the process of water draining away. 'Kanal' more often means the larger underground pipe or route in which wastewater continues to flow. The words can be confused because the drain often leads into a sewer. In the bathroom, you usually say 'Abfluss'; under the street, 'Kanal' is more appropriate.
In der Küche ist der Abfluss verstopft.
The drain in the kitchen is clogged.
Nach dem starken Regen war der Kanal unter der Straße überlastet.
After the heavy rain, the sewer under the street was overloaded.