ablaufen
/ˈapˌlaʊ̯fn̩/To run out or expire (of time or a product)
Der Vertrag läuft in einem Monat ab.
The contract will expire in a month.
Often used with time-related contexts or perishable products.
To elapse or pass (of time)
Die Zeit läuft schnell ab.
Time is passing quickly.
Used in a temporal sense to describe the passage of time.
To drain or flow away (of liquids)
Das Wasser läuft langsam ab.
The water is draining slowly.
Used in a literal sense for liquids flowing away.
Collocations
Synonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Separable Prefix
Remember that 'ablaufen' is a separable verb, so in past tense or with auxiliary verbs, the prefix 'ab-' moves to the end of the clause.
⚡Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'ablaufen' depends heavily on context—whether it's about time, products, or liquids.
📖Word Origin
From Middle High German 'abloufen', from 'ab-' (off) + 'laufen' (to run).
📝Usage Notes
The verb is separable, meaning the prefix 'ab-' can be separated in certain grammatical constructions.