der Abgang
departure
Leaving a position, office, or function, especially through resignation or dismissal.
EXAMPLE
Der Abgang des Ministers wurde in der Presse wochenlang diskutiert.
The minister's departure was discussed in the press for weeks.
der Abgang
departure / finish / miscarriage
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Meanings
der Abgang
finish / aftertaste
The taste impression that remains in the mouth after swallowing a drink, especially wine, or a food; the aftertaste.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Rotwein hat einen kräftigen Geschmack und einen langen, samtigen Abgang.
This red wine has a strong flavor and a long, velvety finish.
der Abgang
leaving school
Leaving a school, usually with a final certificate.
EXAMPLE
Nach ihrem Abgang von der Realschule begann sie eine Ausbildung zur Kauffrau.
After leaving secondary school, she began vocational training as a business administrator.
der Abgang
exit
Leaving a place, especially an actor leaving the stage.
EXAMPLE
Der Schauspieler legte einen dramatischen Abgang hin.
The actor made a dramatic exit.
der Abgang
dispatch
The sending out of goods, letters, or packages from a warehouse or post office.
EXAMPLE
Der Abgang der Warensendung ist für heute Nachmittag bestätigt.
The dispatch of the shipment has been confirmed for this afternoon.
der Abgang
dismount
The final move with which a male or female gymnast leaves an apparatus at the end of a routine.
EXAMPLE
Für den schwierigen Abgang vom Stufenbarren erhielt sie hohe Wertungen.
She received high scores for the difficult dismount from the uneven bars.
der Abgang
miscarriage
A medical term for a miscarriage, meaning the premature loss of a pregnancy.
EXAMPLE
Ein früher Abgang in der Schwangerschaft ist ein schmerzhaftes Erlebnis.
An early miscarriage during pregnancy is a painful experience.
Usage tips
Word composition
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).
EXAMPLE
Sein plötzlicher Abgang von der Party überraschte alle.
His sudden departure from the party surprised everyone.
Word family
'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.
EXAMPLE
Der Zug nach Hamburg geht gleich ab.
The train to Hamburg is departing soon.
Meaning from context
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).
EXAMPLE
Der Sommelier lobte den langen Abgang des Weins.
The sommelier praised the wine's long finish.
Fixed expression
The colloquial expression 'einen Abgang machen' means to leave a place or situation, often suddenly or dishonorably.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit hat er einfach einen Abgang gemacht.
After the argument, he simply made his exit.
Context: wine and enjoyment
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).
EXAMPLE
Der Espresso hat einen starken, aber angenehmen Abgang.
The espresso has a strong but pleasant finish.
Context: school and training
When it is about school, 'Abgang' refers to officially leaving, usually with a qualification. People often say 'Abgang von der Schule' (leaving school).
EXAMPLE
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.
Medical term
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.
EXAMPLE
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.
Compare with
AbschiedRücktrittVersandausscheidenSchulabschlussFinishWeggangBeigeschmackFortgangAbsprungFehlgeburt
Abgang vs Abschied
farewell / departure
Both words can refer to leaving a position, office, or function. Abgang emphasizes the actual end more strongly and can sound disparaging depending on the tone, while Abschied sounds more personal or appreciative. For a neutral tribute, Abschied is usually the better choice.
Abgang
Der Abgang des Trainers nach der Niederlage sorgte für viele Schlagzeilen.
The coach's departure after the defeat made many headlines.
Abschied
Der Abschied des langjährigen Trainers wurde von den Spielern gewürdigt.
The players paid tribute to the long-serving coach at his farewell.
In real life
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