departure / finish / miscarriage
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departure
Leaving a position, office, or function, especially through resignation or dismissal.
Der Abgang des Ministers wurde in der Presse wochenlang diskutiert.
The minister's departure was discussed in the press for weeks.
The word is made up of the prefix 'ab-' (away) and the noun 'Gang' (going/walking). So the basic meaning is always a form of 'Weggang' (departure) or 'Verlassen' (leaving).
Sein plötzlicher Abgang von der Party überraschte alle.
His sudden departure from the party surprised everyone.
'Der Abgang' is the related noun for the verb 'abgehen'. Many meanings of the noun, such as leaving a place or sending off mail, correspond directly to those of the verb.
Der Zug nach Hamburg geht gleich ab.
The train to Hamburg is departing soon.
Although 'Abgang' has many meanings, it is almost always clear in a sentence which one is meant. Pay attention to signal words from areas such as politics (minister), wine (taste), school (certificate), or sports (gymnastics).
Der Sommelier lobte den langen Abgang des Weins.
The sommelier praised the wine's long finish.
The colloquial expression 'einen Abgang machen' means to leave a place or situation, often suddenly or dishonorably.
Nach dem Streit hat er einfach einen Abgang gemacht.
After the argument, he simply made his exit.
In connection with drinks such as wine or coffee, 'Abgang' describes the aftertaste or finish. Typical adjectives are 'lang' (long), 'kurz' (short), 'elegant' (elegant), 'kräftig' (strong), or 'samtig' (velvety).
Der Espresso hat einen starken, aber angenehmen Abgang.
The espresso has a strong but pleasant finish.
When it is about school, 'Abgang' refers to officially leaving, usually with a qualification. People often say 'Abgang von der Schule' (leaving school).
Mit ihrem Abgang von der Universität begann ein neues Kapitel in ihrem Leben.
With her departure from the university, a new chapter in her life began.
In medicine, 'Abgang' is used as a technical term and often also as a euphemism for a miscarriage. This use is limited to medical or very sensitive private contexts.
Die Ärztin sprach mit dem Paar über das Risiko eines frühen Abgangs.
The doctor spoke with the couple about the risk of an early miscarriage.
completion / degree
'der Abschluss' and 'der Abgang' can occur together in a school context. 'der Abschluss' emphasizes the qualification successfully earned, for example a certificate after school. 'der Abgang' focuses more on someone leaving school. This can happen with a final certificate, but the emphasis is on leaving the school. The words can be confused because both can occur at the end of someone's time at school. If the qualification is important, you are more likely to say 'Abschluss'; if leaving school is the focus, 'Abgang' fits better.
Nach ihrem Abgang von der Schule begann Lena ein Praktikum.
After leaving school, Lena started an internship.
Mein Bruder sucht nach dem Abschluss eine Ausbildungsstelle.
After graduating, my brother is looking for an apprenticeship position.