abstellen
to turn off
To switch off a device, engine, or machine, or take it out of operation.
EXAMPLE
Vergiss nicht, den Motor abzustellen, wenn du parkst.
Don't forget to turn off the engine when you park.
abstellen
to turn off / put down
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Meanings
abstellen
to put down
To put or set an object down in a specific place.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst deine Tasche einfach hier in der Ecke abstellen.
You can simply put your bag down here in the corner.
abstellen
to stop
To end or put a stop to unwanted behavior or an undesirable situation.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen dieses unfaire Verhalten sofort abstellen.
We have to stop this unfair behavior immediately.
abstellen
to assign
To assign or detach a person for a specific task or service.
EXAMPLE
Für die Nachtwache wurden zwei Soldaten abgestellt.
Two soldiers were assigned to night watch.
abstellen auf
to focus on
To base something on a particular foundation or to be oriented toward something. Mostly used in formal or legal language.
EXAMPLE
Die Kritik stellt vor allem auf die mangelnde Transparenz des Verfahrens ab.
The criticism focuses primarily on the lack of transparency in the procedure.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abstellen' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab-' stands at the end of the sentence. In a subordinate clause or with an infinitive with 'zu', the verb is not separated.
EXAMPLE
Stell bitte die Musik leiser oder ganz ab.
Please turn the music down or off completely.
Context clues
The object of the verb reveals the meaning. You 'abstellen' devices (engine, light) in order to turn them off. You 'abstellen' objects (bag, bicycle) in order to put them down. You 'abstellen' problems (undesirable situation, behavior) in order to end them.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein Auto direkt vor der Einfahrt abgestellt.
He parked his car right in front of the driveway.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'ausschalten' (to switch off), 'abstellen' is often used with technical devices or supply lines. Typical phrases are: 'den Motor abstellen' (to turn off the engine), 'das Licht abstellen' (to turn off the light), 'das Wasser abstellen' (to turn off the water), or 'den Strom abstellen' (to cut off the electricity).
EXAMPLE
Wegen der Reparatur müssen wir das Wasser für eine Stunde abstellen.
Because of the repair, we have to turn off the water for an hour.
Abstract use
In an abstract, often formal meaning, 'abstellen' is used for negative things that you want to end. For example, you can 'einen Missstand abstellen' (put an end to an undesirable situation), 'einen Mangel abstellen' (remedy a defect), or 'schlechtes Benehmen abstellen' (stop bad behavior).
EXAMPLE
Die Geschäftsführung versprach, die Mängel in der Produktion abzustellen.
Management promised to remedy the defects in production.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'basieren auf' (to be based on), 'abstellen' is fixed with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. This construction is typical of administrative or legal language.
EXAMPLE
Das Urteil stellt auf die Aussagen mehrerer Zeugen ab.
The judgment is based on the statements of several witnesses.
Compare with
stelleneinsetzeneinstellenausstellenbeseitigenlagernparkenabsetzenabschaltenanhaltenbehebenausschalteneinparken
abstellen vs stellen
to put / to set
Stellen and abstellen can both mean bringing an object to a specific place. Stellen describes general placement in an upright position; abstellen additionally emphasizes that the object is left there temporarily or will not be used further. Use stellen for a neutral movement and abstellen when emphasizing that something is being left there.
abstellen
Ich stelle den Koffer neben dem Schrank ab, bis wir weiterfahren.
I put the suitcase down beside the cabinet until we set off again.
stellen
Ich stelle den Koffer neben den Schrank.
I put the suitcase beside the cabinet.
In real life
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