Verb #386 ab verb

ablaufen

läuft ab · ist abgelaufen · lief ab
Based on: ab, laufen
1.

to expire

(For food and offers. Basically the same idea as time "running out".)
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Examples
  • Die Bewerbungsfrist läuft morgen ab.
  • The application period will end tomorrow.
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2.

to run out

(For water running out of sinks or basins, and for timed things like ultimatums or countdowns.)
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Examples
  • Nach dem Hurricane läuft das Wasser langsam ab.
  • After the hurricane, the water recedes slowly. (I used to say "goes away", hence the comments)
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3.

to go down

(For a sequence of events.)
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Examples
  • Die Polizei versucht zu rekonstruieren, wie der Einbruch genau abgelaufen ist.
  • The police is trying to reconstruct how exactly the break in went down.
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4.

to comb

(ONLY in the sense of walking across an entire area with the intention of searching)
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Examples
  • Maria läuft jedes Regal im Supermarkt ab, um das Angebot zu finden.
  • Maria combs every shelf in the supermarket to find the special offer.

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My Articles

“ablaufen” – Prefix Verbs Explained

A fun look at the German prefix verb "ablaufen" and how it connects a sink, a conference and old milk.

Vocab: ablaufen, abgelaufen, der Ablauf, der

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How many meanings does the German word 'ablaufen' have?

ablaufen has 4 distinct meanings: 1. to expire , 2. to run out , 3. to go down , 4. to comb.

What is the past tense of 'ablaufen'?

ist abgelaufen / lief ab

What is the er/sie/es form of 'ablaufen'?

er/sie/es läuft ab

What is 'ablaufen' related to?

The word 'ablaufen' is related to ab and laufen.

Where can I learn more about 'ablaufen'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'ablaufen':

“ablaufen” – Prefix Verbs Explained
A fun look at the German prefix verb "ablaufen" and how it connects a sink, a conference and old milk.
Vocab: ablaufen, abgelaufen, der Ablauf, der
Read article