ablaufen
expire · proceed
Es bedeutet, dass etwas zu Ende geht, sich bewegt oder nicht mehr gültig ist, zum Beispiel wenn Zeit vorbei ist oder Flüssigkeit wegfließt.
The German verb "ablaufen" is a separable verb composed of the prefix "ab" (off, away) and the verb "laufen" (to run). It means "to expire", "to run off/down", or "to proceed" (regarding events or processes).
Similar words:
- "verfallen" (to expire, often with expiration of documents),
- "enden" (to end),
- "geschehen" (to happen, to take place).
Difference:
- "ablaufen" emphasizes the process or duration leading to an end or expiry (e.g., "Das Ablaufdatum läuft morgen ab" — The expiration date runs out tomorrow).
- "verfallen" focuses more on legal or formal expiration.
- "enden" simply states that something ends without implying a process.
- "geschehen" refers broadly to events happening rather than expiring or running out.
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Examples
Der Vertrag läuft bald ab.verb
The contract will soon expire.
Die Milch wird morgen ablaufen.verb
The milk will expire tomorrow.
Dein Pass läuft nächsten Monat ab.verb
Your passport expires next month.
Dein Pass läuft nächste Woche ab.verb
Your passport expires next week.
Die Spiele laufen heute ruhig ab.verb
The games are proceeding calmly today.
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