01
aufhören
to stop
To end or interrupt an activity or action. Often used with 'mit' or an infinitive with 'zu'.
example
Kannst du bitte aufhören, mit dem Stift zu klicken?
Can you please stop clicking the pen?
aufhören
to stop
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufhören' (to stop) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'auf' comes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'auf' and 'hören' stay together.
EXAMPLE
Hör bitte mit dem Lärm auf!
Please stop making that noise!
Sentence structure and use
To say what someone stops doing, there are two common constructions: 'aufhören mit' + noun in the dative, or 'aufhören, zu' + infinitive of another verb.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat mit dem Projekt aufgehört.
She stopped working on the project.
Typical subjects
When an event ends, the subject of 'aufhören' is often an impersonal phenomenon. It is especially often used for weather such as rain, snow, or wind.
EXAMPLE
Der Schneefall hat erst am Morgen aufgehört.
The snowfall did not stop until morning.
Compare with
aufhören vs lassen
to let / to have
'lassen' and 'aufhören' can both mean that an action ends. 'aufhören' describes neutrally that someone stops an activity, often with 'mit' or with 'zu'. In this meaning, 'lassen' often sounds like a command: someone should no longer do something or should refrain from doing it altogether. 'Hör auf zu reden' (stop talking) and 'Lass das Reden' (stop the talking) are similar, but 'Lass das!' (stop that!) is more direct and can sound stricter.
aufhören
Wegen des Regens hören wir mit dem Training früher auf.
Because of the rain, we stop training earlier.
lassen
Im Unterricht sagt die Lehrerin: „Lass bitte das Spielen mit dem Handy.“
In class, the teacher says, "Please stop playing with your phone."
In real life
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