to vote out / deselect
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to vote out
To vote against an officeholder or a party in an election so that this person or party loses their office or mandate.
Die Regierung wurde nach nur einer Legislaturperiode wieder abgewählt.
The government was voted out again after just one legislative term.
'Abwählen' (to vote out / deselect) 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.
Viele Wähler wollen den aktuellen Bürgermeister abwählen.
Many voters want to vote out the current mayor.
The verb consists of the prefix 'ab' and the verb 'wählen' (to choose/vote). The prefix 'ab' here expresses removal or cancellation. So you undo a selection or vote someone out of a position.
Die Mitgliederversammlung hat den alten Vorstand abgewählt.
The members' meeting voted out the old board.
The context makes the meaning clear: if it is about politics and elections, 'abwählen' means to remove someone from office. If it is about courses, options, or settings, it means to cancel a selection.
Die Opposition hofft, den Kanzler bei der nächsten Wahl abzuwählen.
The opposition hopes to vote out the chancellor in the next election.
to vote / choose / dial
'wählen' and 'abwählen' are often opposites. 'wählen' means that you decide in favor of a person, party, or option. 'abwählen', on the other hand, means that a person or party loses their office through an election, or that you undo a previous selection. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with choices and elections. The little 'ab-' is important here: it shows that something is being removed or undone. So you 'wählt' something when you choose it, but you 'wählt etwas ab' when it should no longer remain.
Viele Mitglieder wollen den alten Vorsitzenden abwählen, weil sie unzufrieden sind.
Many members want to vote out the old chairperson because they are dissatisfied.
Die Gruppe wählt am Montag einen neuen Leiter.
The group is choosing a new leader on Monday.