ab|bauen
Translation
to dismantle, to reduce, to mine, to break down
Examples
Wir müssen das Zelt abbauen.
We have to dismantle the tent.
Die Firma will Personal abbauen.
The company wants to reduce staff.
In dieser Region wird Kohle abgebaut.
Coal is mined in this region.
Er hat nach der Krankheit stark abgebaut.
He declined a lot after the illness.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to dismantle sth. They are dismantling the old bridge.
((et4)) to reduce sth. We need to reduce our debts.
((et4)) to mine sth. They mine for gold in this area.
(intransitive) to decline, deteriorate His health has deteriorated.
Similar Words
Synonyms: dismantle, reduce, demolish; Antonyms: aufbauen (to build up), errichten (to erect)
Etymology
From 'ab-' (off, down) + 'bauen' (to build). Literally 'to un-build' or 'build down'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'un-building' something. You 'aufbauen' a Lego castle, and then you 'abbauen' it (take it apart).