abrunden
to round off
To bring something (e.g., an event, a meal, a text) to a harmonious or successful conclusion.
EXAMPLE
Ein Dessert rundet das Menü perfekt ab.
A dessert rounds off the menu perfectly.
abrunden
to round off / round down
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Meanings
abrunden
to round down
To reduce a number to the next lower whole number or to a specific decimal place.
EXAMPLE
Der Betrag von 19,97 € wird an der Kasse auf 19,95 € abgerundet.
The amount of €19.97 is rounded down to €19.95 at the checkout.
abrunden
to round off
To remove edges or corners from an object in order to make them softer and less sharp.
EXAMPLE
Der Schreiner muss die scharfen Kanten des Holzbretts noch abrunden.
The carpenter still needs to round off the sharp edges of the wooden board.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abrunden' (to round off / round down) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Wein rundet das Essen ab.
A good wine rounds off the meal.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'ab-' and the verb 'runden' (to round). The basic idea is to make something 'round', whether it is a sharp edge, an uneven number, or an incomplete experience.
EXAMPLE
Der Tischler rundet die Ecken des Tisches sorgfältig ab.
The carpenter carefully rounds off the corners of the table.
Context clue
The object of the verb reveals the meaning. If it is an experience, a text, or a meal, it refers to the conclusion. With numbers and prices, it is about mathematics. With objects that have corners, it is about the shape.
EXAMPLE
Eine kurze Zusammenfassung rundet den Vortrag ab.
A short summary rounds off the presentation.
Typical collocations
In this figurative meaning, 'abrunden' (to round off) is often combined with abstract nouns that describe an event or work. Typical phrases are: 'ein Programm abrunden' (to round off a program), 'einen Besuch abrunden' (to round off a visit), or 'das Gesamtbild abrunden' (to round off the overall picture).
EXAMPLE
Ein musikalischer Beitrag rundete die Feier ab.
A musical contribution rounded off the celebration.
Use with 'auf'
When rounding a number down, the result is often given with the preposition 'auf' plus the accusative. This structure specifies the value to which it is reduced.
EXAMPLE
Die Rechnungssumme von 57,83 Euro wurde auf 57,80 Euro abgerundet.
The invoice total of 57.83 euros was rounded down to 57.80 euros.
Compare with
abrunden vs abschließen
to lock / to complete
Abschließen and abrunden can both refer to bringing an event or a text to an end. Abschließen mainly refers to the ending itself; abrunden emphasizes a fitting final touch that brings the whole thing to a harmonious or successful conclusion.
abrunden
Ein gemeinsames Lied rundet den Abend harmonisch ab.
A group song rounds off the evening harmoniously.
abschließen
Die Moderatorin schließt den Abend um zehn Uhr mit einem kurzen Dank ab.
The host closes out the evening at ten with a brief thank-you.
In real life
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