01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
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
stoppen vs halten
to hold
'halten' and 'stoppen' can both mean that a movement comes to an end. 'halten' is used very often for vehicles that come to a stop at a place, for example at a stop or a traffic light. 'stoppen' sounds more active and more general: you can stop a car, a machine, a process, or a person. If a bus stops according to schedule, you naturally say 'der Bus hält' (the bus stops). If someone deliberately ends or holds something up, 'stoppen' often fits better.
stoppen
Jonas stoppt das Video, weil das Telefon klingelt.
Jonas stops the video because the phone is ringing.
halten
Der Bus hält heute nicht an dieser Haltestelle.
The bus is not stopping at this stop today.
In real life
Loading video examples...