stoppen
to stop
To end a movement or an ongoing process, or bring it to a standstill.
EXAMPLE
Bitte stoppe das Auto an der nächsten Ecke.
Please stop the car at the next corner.
stoppen
to stop
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Meanings
stoppen
to stop
To stop someone or something, or prevent them from doing or continuing something.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei konnte die Diebe auf ihrer Flucht stoppen.
The police were able to stop the thieves during their escape.
stoppen
to time
To measure the duration of a process with a watch or clock.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du stoppen, wie lange ich brauche, um die Seite zu lesen?
Can you time how long it takes me to read the page?
stoppen
to stop
In sports, to block an opposing attack or the ball.
EXAMPLE
Der Torwart stoppte den Ball mit einer spektakulären Parade.
The goalkeeper stopped the ball with a spectacular save.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'stoppen' (to stop) is the basis for the noun 'der Stopp' (e.g. a short stop) and for compound words such as 'die Stoppuhr' (a watch for measuring time intervals).
EXAMPLE
Wir legen auf der Fahrt nach Italien einen Stopp in den Alpen ein.
On the drive to Italy, we'll make a stop in the Alps.
Use with accusative
'Stoppen' (to stop) almost always requires an accusative object. You always stop 'etwas' (something) or 'jemanden' (someone).
EXAMPLE
Der Regen hat die Bauarbeiten gestoppt.
The rain stopped the construction work.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'zum Stillstand bringen' (to bring to a standstill), 'stoppen' is often used for processes or movements. Typical combinations are 'die Blutung stoppen' (to stop the bleeding), 'die Produktion stoppen' (to stop production), or 'den Verkehr stoppen' (to stop traffic).
EXAMPLE
Ein Ersthelfer muss wissen, wie man eine starke Blutung stoppt.
A first aider must know how to stop severe bleeding.
Context clue: measuring time
You can recognize the meaning 'Zeit messen' (to measure time) from the context. Often the word 'Zeit' (time) appears directly as the object, or a stopwatch is mentioned.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer stoppt die Zeit seiner Läufer auf die Sekunde genau.
The coach times his runners to the exact second.
Use in sports
The meaning 'abwehren' (to block/defend against) is typical in sports. People talk about 'den Ball stoppen' (to stop the ball), 'einen Angriff stoppen' (to stop an attack), or 'den Gegner stoppen' (to stop the opponent).
EXAMPLE
Der Verteidiger konnte den Stürmer im letzten Moment stoppen.
The defender was able to stop the striker at the last moment.
Compare with
haltenbeendenaufhörenmessenaufhaltenunterbrechenstillenanhaltenabfangenabwehreneindämmenstehenbleibenstauen
stoppen vs halten
to hold
Both words can refer to the end of a vehicle’s movement. “Halten” is especially common for a scheduled stop at a particular place. “Stoppen,” by contrast, focuses more on ending the movement or an ongoing process, often suddenly or deliberately.
stoppen
Wegen eines Hindernisses stoppt der Zug plötzlich vor dem nächsten Bahnhof.
Because of an obstacle, the train suddenly stops before the next station.
halten
Der Zug hält planmäßig am nächsten Bahnhof.
The train stops as scheduled at the next station.
In real life
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