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.
drainage
The process of water or other liquids flowing away.
Nach dem starken Regen war der Abfluss des Wassers von den Feldern ein Problem.
After the heavy rain, the drainage of water from the fields was a problem.
outflow
In an economic context, the outflow of money or capital from a company, region, or country.
Die politische Instabilität führte zu einem erheblichen Kapitalabfluss.
The political instability led to a significant outflow of capital.
'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.
sequence / drain
Both words can refer to a place where water drains from a sink or bathtub. Ablauf often refers to the opening or device itself, while Abfluss is used more generally for the drainage point. In plumbing contexts, both are possible, but the specific expression determines which one is used.
Der Abfluss der Badewanne muss dringend gereinigt werden.
The bathtub drain needs to be cleaned urgently.
Der Ablauf des Waschbeckens ist mit Haaren verstopft.
The sink drain is clogged with hair.
