German Conversation · Level 100
59 words
German word
Abbau
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈapˌbaʊ̯/
Meaning
- masculine nounreduction
Example
Die Firma plant den Abbau von Stellen.
The company plans to cut jobs.
More examples
Viele Menschen achten auf den Abbau von Stress durch regelmäßige Bewegung.
Many people pay attention to stress reduction through regular exercise.
Core concept
Parts are removed from a whole until less remains, whether the whole is a workforce, a machine, or a mineral deposit.
Common phrases
der Abbau von CO2-Emissionen
reduction in CO2 emissions
der Abbau von Stress
stress reduction
Similar words
Kürzung: A cut in spending, staffing, or another planned amount.
Reduzierung: A general decrease in quantity, size, or scope.
Senkung: A lowering of a figure, rate, or measured level.
Entlassung: The dismissal of employees from their jobs.
Definition in German
Abbau ist der Vorgang, bei dem Menge oder Umfang von etwas reduziert oder entfernt wird, etwa Personal, Kosten oder Rohstoffe.
Word origin
Abbau is the noun formed from German abbauen, which combines ab- ('away, down') with bauen ('build') and extends from taking structures down to reducing or extracting material.
Usage tips
- Abbau is masculine, and the target commonly follows in a von phrase, as in Abbau von Stellen, with von taking the dative.