absolvieren
to complete
To successfully finish a training program, degree program, exam, or course.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein Abitur mit sehr guten Noten absolviert.
He completed his Abitur with very good grades.
absolvieren
to complete
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Meanings
absolvieren
to complete
To carry out or cover a specific task, program, or route according to plan.
EXAMPLE
Die Athleten absolvieren täglich ein mehrstündiges Training.
The athletes complete several hours of training every day.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
Although the verb begins with 'ab-', 'absolvieren' (to complete) is an inseparable verb. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms.
EXAMPLE
Sie absolvierte ihr Praktikum in einem großen Unternehmen.
She completed her internship at a large company.
Sentence structure with accusative
'Absolvieren' (to complete) is a transitive verb and always requires an accusative object. You always complete 'something'.
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Jahr möchte ich einen Sprachkurs absolvieren.
Next year I would like to complete a language course.
Register
The word 'absolvieren' (to complete) belongs more to formal or written language. It sounds educated and is often used in official contexts such as certificates or résumés.
EXAMPLE
Der Bewerber hat mehrere Fortbildungen absolviert.
The applicant has completed several professional development courses.
Typical collocations
In the context of education and careers, 'absolvieren' (to complete) is often combined with 'ein Studium' (a degree program), 'eine Ausbildung' (a training program), 'ein Praktikum' (an internship), or 'eine Prüfung' (an exam).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ihre Ausbildung zur Krankenschwester erfolgreich absolviert.
She successfully completed her training as a nurse.
Typical collocations
When referring to scheduled activities, 'absolvieren' (to complete) is often used with 'ein Training' (a training session), 'ein Programm' (a program), or 'einen Auftritt' (a performance).
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft muss vor dem Spiel noch ein hartes Training absolvieren.
The team still has to complete a tough training session before the game.
Compare with
absolvieren vs bestehen
to pass / consist / exist
For an exam, bestehen and absolvieren can both describe a successful completion. Bestehen emphasizes that the required performance was achieved, while absolvieren focuses more on going through and finishing the entire exam.
absolvieren
Mia hat die mehrstündige Abschlussprüfung erfolgreich absolviert.
Mia successfully completed the several-hour final exam.
bestehen
Mia hat die Abschlussprüfung mit der nötigen Punktzahl bestanden.
Mia passed the final exam with the required score.
In real life
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