abfahren

/apˈfaːʁən/
verbIntermediate
general

to depart or leave a place, especially by vehicle

Wir müssen bald abfahren.

We need to depart soon.

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Commonly used for trains, buses, and other vehicles.

informal

to remove or take away something

Er hat den Müll abfahren lassen.

He had the trash taken away.

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Often used with 'lassen' (to have something done).

informal

to be very good or impressive (slang)

Das Konzert war richtig abgefahren!

The concert was totally awesome!

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Slang usage, especially among younger speakers.

Collocations

abfahren lassento have something taken awayabfahren könnento be able to depart

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

abfahren lassenphrase
to have something taken away

💡Pro Tip

Separable Prefix

Remember that 'abfahren' is a separable verb, so in past tense, the prefix moves to the end: 'Ich fahre ab' → 'Ich fuhr ab.'

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning of 'abfahren' depends heavily on context—whether it's about departure, removal, or slang.

📖Word Origin

From Middle High German 'abvaren', from 'ab-' (away) + 'fahren' (to travel).

📝Usage Notes

The verb 'abfahren' is separable, meaning the prefix 'ab-' can be separated from the verb in certain grammatical constructions.

Word Breakdown

ab-
away, off
prefix
+
fahren
to travel, to go
root
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