Schluss machen
break up
Definition & meaning
Schluss machen means to end something or to stop. Its meaning depends on context:
- To break up with someone: Sie hat mit ihrem Freund Schluss gemacht. — “She broke up with her boyfriend.”
- To stop or put an end to something: Mach endlich Schluss mit dem Lärm! — “Put an end to the noise already!”
The phrase can sound decisive or emphatic, especially when used as an imperative.
Grammar & word origin
Schluss machen combines the noun Schluss (“end” or “conclusion”) with the verb machen (“to make” or “do”). Literally, it means “to make an end.”
It is used as a verb phrase. In a main clause, machen is conjugated and Schluss stays in place: Ich mache Schluss. When referring to a relationship, it commonly takes mit plus the person or relationship: mit jemandem Schluss machen (“to break up with someone”).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- sich trennen — “to separate” or “to break up”; more neutral and can describe a mutual separation.
- beenden — “to end”; more formal and applies broadly to relationships, activities, or processes.
- aufhören — “to stop”; usually describes stopping an activity rather than ending a relationship.
Antonyms:
- weitermachen — “to carry on”; the general opposite when the meaning is “to stop.”
- fortsetzen — “to continue”; somewhat more formal.
- zusammenbleiben — “to stay together”; the opposite when Schluss machen means “to break up.”
Common phrases & collocations
Make “Schluss machen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Nach dem Streit wollte sie endgültig Schluss machen.other
After the argument she wanted to break up for good.
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