abfinden
accept · come to terms
Etwas annehmen, obwohl es nicht so ist, wie man es gern hätte, und innerlich damit ruhig werden.
The German word "abfinden" is a verb which primarily means "to come to terms with" or "to resign oneself to" something. This connotation particularly involves acceptance after a struggle or resistance.
Additionally, "abfinden" can mean "to settle" in the sense of finding a settlement, particularly in contexts such as disputations or compensations.
Words with a similar intent include "akzeptieren" (to accept), "sich einigen" (to agree or to settle), and "hinnehmen" (to put up with).
The differences between "abfinden" and similar terms like "akzeptieren" or "hinnehmen" lie in their nuance; "abfinden" often implies a certain reluctance or unresolved dissatisfaction that one has chosen to accept, while "akzeptieren" is more neutral and may not include such emotional connotations. "Hinnehmen" shares a similar nuanced implication with "abfinden," suggesting acceptance out of necessity rather than full agreement or satisfaction.
Make “abfinden” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Wir finden uns damit ab.verb
We accept it.
Sie müssen sich oft mit der Situation abfinden.verb
They often have to accept the situation.
Er kann sich damit nicht abfinden.verb
He cannot come to terms with it.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad