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Verabschieden
/fɛɐ̯ˈʔapˌʃiːdn̩/
to say goodbye
Er verabschiedet sich von seinen Freunden.
He says goodbye to his friends.
neutral
To formally or casually say farewell to someone.
Sie verabschiedete sich mit einem Lächeln.
She said goodbye with a smile.
Der Präsident verabschiedete sich von der Menge.
The president bid farewell to the crowd.
Can be used in both personal and professional contexts. Often implies a temporary parting.
Law
formal
To pass a law or resolution (literally: to send away).
Der Bundestag verabschiedete ein neues Gesetz.
The Bundestag passed a new law.
Used in legal and parliamentary contexts to describe the formal approval of legislation.
Collocations
sich von jemandem verabschiedento say goodbye to someoneein Gesetz verabschiedento pass a lawsich verabschieden von der Bühneto take a bow (theater)
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Reflexive Form
Always use the reflexive pronoun 'sich' when saying goodbye to someone: 'Er verabschiedet sich.'
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Pay attention to whether 'verabschieden' refers to people (farewell) or laws (passing). The context usually makes it clear.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'verabschieden', composed of 'ver-' (indicating completion) + 'Abschied' (farewell). The verb form developed from the noun in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
The reflexive form 'sich verabschieden' is most common. In formal contexts, it can also mean to dismiss someone or to pass legislation. The preposition 'von' is typically used with people ('von jemandem'), while laws are 'verabschiedet' without a preposition.
Word Breakdown
ver-
prefix indicating completion or intensification
prefixAbschied
farewell
root-en
verb suffix
suffixDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch