German Conversation · Level 147
30 words
German word
abfinden
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈapfɪndn̩/
Meaning
- verbcome to terms with
Example
Ich finde mich mit der Situation ab.
I am coming to terms with the situation.
More examples
Er wurde mit einer großen Summe abgefunden.
He was compensated with a large sum.
Core concept
Someone stops contesting an unwelcome reality and treats it as settled, or settles a claim by providing compensation.
Common phrases
jemanden mit etwas abfinden
compensate someone with something
sich mit etwas abfinden
come to terms with something
Similar words
hinnehmen: Passively accept an unpleasant or inconvenient situation.
akzeptieren: Accept a fact or proposal as valid and unobjectionable.
annehmen: Give consent to an offer, suggestion, or proposal.
tolerieren: Endure something unwanted while withholding full approval.
Definition in German
(sich) mit einer unerwünschten Situation widerwillig zurechtkommen und sie als gegeben anerkennen
Word origin
German formed abfinden from ab- and finden, with an earlier sense of making a matter satisfactory or settled that supports its modern reflexive and transitive uses.
Usage tips
- The reflexive form expresses reluctant acceptance, whereas nonreflexive jemanden abfinden means giving someone compensation to settle a claim.