verb
abbremsen
brake
Definition & meaning
The verb abbremsen primarily refers to the action of reducing speed.
- Physical reduction of speed: To slow down a moving vehicle or object by applying a braking mechanism. For example, a driver hitting the brakes to decrease the velocity of a car.
- Figurative sense: To slow down a process, a development, or a trend. For example, "die Wirtschaft abbremsen" means to slow down or dampen economic growth.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- It is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). In a sentence, the prefix "ab-" moves to the end of the clause in the present tense (e.g., "Ich bremse das Auto ab.").
- It is a regular (weak) verb.
- Present: ich bremse ab
- Past (Präteritum): ich bremste ab
- Perfect: ich habe abgebremst
Word origin:
- The word is composed of the prefix "ab-" (indicating a movement away from something or a reduction) and the verb "bremsen" (to brake). The root "Bremse" comes from Middle High German "bremse," relating to a tool for checking the movement of wheels.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- verlangsamen (to slow down)
- drosseln (to throttle/reduce)
- bremsen (to brake)
- zurückschalten (to shift down/slow down)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Bitte nicht so plötzlich abbremsen!verb
Please do not brake so suddenly!
Als das Tier auf die Straße lief, musste der Fahrer stark abbremsen.verb
When the animal ran onto the street, the driver had to brake hard.
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