Nomen

der Ablauf

Translation

process, procedure, sequence, expiration

Der genaue Ablauf ist noch unklar.

The exact procedure is still unclear.

Achten Sie auf das Ablaufdatum.

Pay attention to the expiration date.

Der Ablauf der Veranstaltung war perfekt.

The sequence of the event was perfect.

the process/sequence of sth. ((der Ablauf von et3)) The process of the conference was well planned.

after the expiration of the deadline ((nach Ablauf der Frist)) We can't do anything after the deadline expires.

der Prozess (process), das Verfahren (procedure), die Frist (deadline)

Composed of 'ab-' (off, down) and 'Lauf' (run, course). This suggests the 'running off' or completion of a sequence or the 'running down' of time.

Think of water draining or 'running off' ('ablaufen'). The 'Ablauf' is the whole process of it draining away, or a process coming to an end.