01
enden
to end
To stop existing or stop taking place; to come to a close. Refers to temporal, spatial, or content-related limits.
example
Der Film endet mit einer überraschenden Wendung.
The film ends with a surprising twist.
enden
to end
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Common mistake
Although 'enden' (to end) describes a conclusion, it always forms the perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'haben'. The verb 'sein' is not used here.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorstellung hat früher als erwartet geendet.
The performance ended earlier than expected.
Important prepositions
The verb 'enden' (to end) is often used with prepositions. 'Enden mit' (to end with) describes what happens at the end, while 'enden in' (to end in) refers to the final result or consequence.
EXAMPLE
Der Tag endete mit einem schönen Abendessen.
The day ended with a nice dinner.
Type of ending
To describe how something ends, 'enden' (to end) is often combined with adverbs. Typical combinations are 'gut enden' (to end well), 'schlecht enden' (to end badly), 'glücklich enden' (to end happily), or 'tragisch enden' (to end tragically).
EXAMPLE
Zum Glück ist die gefährliche Situation gut geendet.
Fortunately, the dangerous situation ended well.
Fixed expression
When you want to describe which sound or letter a word ends with, you use the fixed construction 'enden auf' followed by the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Viele deutsche Nomen enden auf den Buchstaben 'e'.
Many German nouns end in the letter 'e'.
Compare with
enden vs beginnen
to begin
'beginnen' and 'enden' describe two different points in a sequence. 'beginnen' means the beginning; 'enden' means the end or the result. One important difference is the grammar: you can begin something, for example a course. 'enden' more often describes that something itself comes to an end: 'Der Kurs endet' (the course ends). If you actively want to say that someone brings something to an end, 'beenden' fits better than 'enden'.
enden
Der Unterricht endet heute früher als sonst.
The lesson ends earlier than usual today.
beginnen
Wir beginnen den Unterricht heute mit einer kurzen Wiederholung.
We are beginning today's lesson with a short review.
In real life
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