der Abriss
demolition
The destruction and removal of a building or structure; dismantling.
EXAMPLE
Der Abriss des alten Bahnhofs beginnt nächste Woche.
The demolition of the old train station begins next week.
der Abriss
demolition / outline / blowout
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Meanings
der Abriss
outline
A brief, summarized presentation or overview of a topic or situation.
EXAMPLE
Der Historiker gab einen kurzen Abriss der Ereignisse der Weimarer Republik.
The historian gave a brief outline of the events of the Weimar Republic.
der Abriss
blowout
Colloquial term for a very wild, exuberant party or event with an excessive atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert gestern war der absolute Abriss, alle haben getanzt!
The concert yesterday was an absolute blowout; everyone was dancing!
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Abriss' is the noun form of the verb 'abreißen' (to tear down / to outline). The different meanings of the noun—destroying a building, giving a summary—correspond directly to the meanings of the verb.
EXAMPLE
Man reißt ein altes Haus ab. Das Ergebnis ist der Abriss.
You tear down an old house. The result is the demolition.
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning from context. If it is about buildings and construction sites, destruction is meant. If people are talking about topics, books, or history, a summary is meant. In the context of parties and concerts, the colloquial meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Für den Abriss der Brücke wird die Straße gesperrt.
The road will be closed for the demolition of the bridge.
Fixed expression
In the meaning 'Zusammenfassung' (summary), the word is very often used in the fixed expression 'einen Abriss geben' (to give an outline) or 'einen Abriss von etwas geben' (to give an outline of something).
EXAMPLE
Können Sie uns einen kurzen Abriss der Projektergebnisse geben?
Could you give us a brief outline of the project results?
Register and style
The meaning 'wilde Party' (wild party) is purely colloquial or youth slang. Use this expression only in very informal conversations with friends.
EXAMPLE
Das Festival am Wochenende war der absolute Abriss!
The festival at the weekend was an absolute blowout!
Compare with
Abriss vs Abschnitt
section
Abschnitt and Abriss can both refer to part of a text, but they emphasize different things. Abschnitt means a distinct unit within the text, while Abriss is a brief summary or overview of the topic. When asking about a passage in a text, use Abschnitt; when you need a brief summary, use Abriss.
Abriss
Im letzten Abriss werden die wichtigsten Gründe kurz zusammengefasst.
The most important reasons are briefly summarized in the last outline.
Abschnitt
Im letzten Abschnitt des Artikels werden die wichtigsten Gründe genannt.
The most important reasons are given in the last section of the article.
In real life
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