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Abbau
/ˈap.baʊ̯/
reduction
Der Abbau der Arbeitsplätze war eine schwierige Entscheidung für das Unternehmen.
The reduction of jobs was a difficult decision for the company.
general
the process of reducing or dismantling something
Der Abbau von CO₂ aus der Atmosphäre ist ein wichtiges Ziel.
The reduction of CO₂ from the atmosphere is an important goal.
Nach dem Abbau des Lagers wurde das Gelände geräumt.
After the dismantling of the camp, the area was cleared.
Can refer to physical dismantling (e.g., buildings, equipment) or abstract reduction (e.g., costs, emissions).
Engineering
technical
mining or extraction of raw materials
Der Abbau von Kohle hat in dieser Region eine lange Tradition.
The mining of coal has a long tradition in this region.
Common in contexts like coal mining, oil extraction, or mineral processing.
Medicine
Medical
metabolic breakdown of substances in the body
Der Abbau von Laktose kann bei manchen Menschen zu Beschwerden führen.
The breakdown of lactose can cause discomfort in some people.
Refers to the process where enzymes break down complex molecules (e.g., proteins, sugars) into simpler ones.
Collocations
Abbau von Kostencost reductionAbbau von Arbeitsplätzenjob cutsAbbau von Vorräteninventory reductionAbbau von Emissionenemission reduction
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context matters
The meaning of 'Abbau' shifts significantly based on context. Always check whether it refers to physical dismantling, cost reduction, or metabolic processes.
Gold Rule
Noun vs. verb
'Abbau' is a noun; the verb form is 'abbauen' (to dismantle/to reduce). Do not confuse the two.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *abebū*, from Old High German *ababūan* (to remove, take away), related to German *bauen* (to build). Originally meant 'dismantling' or 'removal', later extended to abstract reductions.
Usage Notes
In everyday German, 'Abbau' often implies a deliberate, systematic reduction (e.g., costs, jobs) rather than a gradual decline. In technical contexts, it specifically refers to extraction processes. Avoid confusing with 'Abbauen' (to dismantle/to mine), which is the verb form.
Word Breakdown
Ab-
prefix indicating separation or removal
prefix-bau
related to building or constructing (from 'bauen')
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